FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arcliive 

in  2011  witli  funding  from 

Calvin  College 


http://www.archive.org/details/sundayschoollituOOamer 


Ny 


THE 


MAY  7  1936 


SUNDAY     SCHOOL 


LITUEGY. 


•  Let  the  high  praises  of  God  be  in  their  mouth  "  —  Ps.  cxlix.  6. 


FOURTH   EDITION. 


BOSTON: 
WALKER,    WISE,    AND    COMPANY 

Jj  rUBLISHERS   FOR  THE 

AMERICAN   UNITARIAN   ASSOCIATION, 
21  Bromfield  St. 
1  8  GO. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1856,  by 

The  Ameeican  Unitarun  Association, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 


tIniTersity  Press,  Cambridge : 
Printed  by  Welch,  Bigelow,  and  Company. 


PREFACE 


This  Liturgy  is  designed  to  be  used  in  the 
following  manner. 

At  the  opening  of  the  school,  the  Superintendent 
will  say :  — 

We  will  begin  this  service  by  reading  Lesson  num- 
bered [name  the  number,  and,  after  a  moment's  pause, 
the  Superintendent  will  read  the  sentences  marked 
"  S.,"  and  the  Pupils  the  sentences  marked  "P.,"  al- 
ternately]. 

When  this  is  read,  the  Superintendent  will 
say:  — 

We  will  pray  in  the  words  of  the  Prayer  numbered 
[name  the  number,  and,  after  a  moment's  pause,  the 
Superintendent  will  repeat  each  Hne,  which  will  be 
repeated  after  him  by  the  Pupils]. 


IV  PREFACE. 

After  this,  the  Superintendent  will  say  :  — 

We  will  sing  Hjinn  numbered  [name  the  number, 
and  read  the  Hymn,  -which  -will  then  be  sung  by  the 
school]. 

At  the  close,  he  will  say  :  — 

We  "will  close  this  session  of  the  school  by  singing 
H}Tnn  numbered  [name  the  number]. 

The  liturgical  exercises  are  short,  and,  by 
changing  the  succession,  a  great  variety  may  be 
secured.  It  is  hoped  that  an  observance  of  the 
method  above  named  may  give  order,  dignity,  and 
impressiveness  to  the  devotional  services  of  the 
schools  in  which  this  book  may  be  used. 

Though  giving  less  space  than  other  similar 
publications  to  Natural  Religion,  and  bringing 
into  more  prominence  the  great  truths  of  the 
Gospel,  and  especially  the  need  of  a  Redeemer, 
yet  the  book  has  no  sectarian  or  dogmatic  bias. 
It  was  prepared  by  a  pastor  who  for  years  has 
consecrated  scholarly  and  devout  gifts  to  this  in- 
teresting department  of  religious  instruction.  His 
manuscripts  were  examined  by  several  gentlemen, 
who  were  requested  to  add,  suppress,  or  recast 


PREFACE.  V 

portions,  or  entire  pai'ts,  according  to  their  judg- 
ment and  taste.  They  gave  time  and  care  to  this 
revision. 

The  work  is  now  published  under  the  joint  ap- 
proval of  the  Committees  of  the  Sunday  School 
Society  and  of  the  American  Unitarian  Associa- 
tion. Any  suggestions  with  a  view  to  its  im- 
provement will  be  gratefully  received,  as  the  only 
aim  is  to  offer  to  the  young  the  most  attractive 
helps  towards  the  end  prayed  for  in  the  words  of 
the  motto,  —  "  Let  the  high  praises  of  God  be  in 
their  mouth." 


CONTENTS. 


LESSONS. 


Lesson 

Fags 

I. 

Invitation  to  Worship 

.      3 

II. 

Seeking  God 

6 

m. 

Asking  Divine  Instruction    . 

.       8 

IV. 

0  that  Men  would  praise  the  Lord 

10 

V. 

Praise  from  all  God's  "Works 

.     12 

VI. 

God  greatly  to  be  praised 

14 

VII. 

God  seen  in  his  "Works 

.     17 

vin. 

God's  "Works  and  "Word  . 

20 

IX. 

Joyful  "Worship    .         .         ,        . 

.     23 

X. 

Rejoicing  in  God 

25 

XI. 

The  Goodness  of  God 

.     27 

XII. 

The  Creation 

29 

XIII. 

God  ever  Present          .... 

.     32 

XIV. 

God  hearing  Prayer 

34 

XV. 

The  Heavenly  Refuge 

.    37 

XVI. 

Confidence  in  the  Divine  Protection 

39 

XVII. 

God  our  Keeper 

.     42 

XVIII. 

The  Divine  Shepherd 

44 

XIX. 

Tenderness  of  the  Divine  Love   . 

.     46 

VIU 


CONTENTS. 


XX. 

God  Ordering  our  Ways 

49 

XXI. 

Devout  Trust 

51 

XXII. 

Human  Trailty  and  the  Divine  Heli)   . 

.54 

XXIII. 

Confession  of  Sins    .... 

57 

XXIV. 

Imploring  ]\Iercy          .... 

59 

XXV. 

Clioosing  God  for  our  Portion 

61 

XXVI. 

Loolcing  up  for  Help    .... 

63 

XXVII. 

Hope  in  Trouble       .... 

65 

xxvni. 

Christian  Love 

67 

XXIX. 

The  Future  Life       .... 

69 

XXX. 

Retribution 

72 

XXXI. 

Tlie  Commandments 

75 

XXXII. 

Love  for  Christ 

78 

TXXTTT. 

The  Divine  Mission  of  Christ 

81 

XXXIV. 

OfRces  of  the  Saviour 

85 

XXXV. 

Promises  of  the  Gospel    . 

88 

XXXVI. 

Christian  Dispositions 

91 

XXXVII. 

On  the  Death  of  a  Young  Child 

94 

XXXVIII. 

On  the  Death  of  a  Teacher  or  Elder 

Scholar 

97 

XXXIX. 

For  a  Rural  Celebration 

100 

XL. 

For  an  Anniversary  Celebration 

103 

XLI. 

For  Christmas 

106 

XLII. 

Close  of  the  Year     .... 

109 

XLIII. 

New  Year    .        .        .        .        . 

112 

PRAYERS. 


I.     For  the  True  Spirit  of  Worship 
II.     That  we  mav  see  God  in  his  Works 


117 
119 


CONTENTS. 


IX 


III.  Tliauks  for  the  Enjoyments  of  Life         .  121 

IV.  Thanks  for  the  Saviour       .         .         .  124 
V.  Thanks  for  Christian  Privileges               .  126 

YI.  Thanks  for  Eeligious  Instruction         .  128 

VII.  On  a  Beautiful  Sunday  Llorning     .         .  131 

VIII.  For  a  Good  Iminovcment  of  Blessings  133 

IX.  For  a  Right  Temper        .         .        .         .135 

X.  For  Gentleness  and  Kindness      .         .  137 

XI.  For  Love  to  all 139 

XII.  For  Unfailing  Love      ....  141 

XIII.  For  a  Childhood  like  that  of  Jesus          .  143 

XIV.  For  an  Early  Consecration  to  Christ    .  145 
XV.  To  be  in  the  Fold  of  the  Good  Shepherd  147 

XVI.  For  a  Sense  of  Dependence  on  God    .  149 

XVII.  For  Strength  iu  Temptation   .        .        .  151 

XVIII.  For  Good  Thoughts     .         .        ,        .  153 

XIX.  For  Faithfulness  in  Duty         .         .         .  155 

XX.  That  we   may  follow  the   Example  of 

Good  Men 157 

XXI.  To  be  guided  into  all  Truth         .         .  159 

XXII.  For  our  Homes 161 

XXIII.  For  the  Poor  and  Suffering          .         ,  163 

XXIV.  For  a  Hope  full  of  Immortality      .         .  165 
XXV.  For  a  Friend  who  is  sick      ...  167 

XXVI.  On  the  Death  of  an  Elder  Scholar,  or 

Teacher 169 

XXVII.  On  the  Death  of  a  Younger  Scholar       .  171 

XXVIII.  At  an  Anniversary  Celebration    .        .  173 

XXIX.  At  a  Eural  Celebration            .                 .  175 

XXX.  At  Christmas 177 

XXXI.  At  the  Close  of  the  Year        .        .        .179 

XXXII.  At  the  Beginning  of  the  Year     .        .  182 


CONTENTS. 


HYMNS. 


Introductory ^°' 

God 201 

The  Saviour 213 

Duties  221 

The  Future  World 232 

Occasional 236 

Concluding 243 


LESSONS, 


LESSON    I. 

INVITATION    TO    WORSHIP. 

S.  The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness 

thereof ;  the  world,  and  all  they  that  dwell 

therein. 
P.  For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 

and  established  it  upon  the  jfloods. 
S.  Who   shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the 

Lord?  and  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy 

place  ? 
P.  He  that  hath  clean  hai<  Js,  and  a  pure 

heart;  who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul 

unto  vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully. 
S.  He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the 

Lord;  and  righteousness  from  the  God 

of  his  salvation. 
P.  This   is   the   generation   of   them   that 

seek   him ;   that  seek  thy  face,   O   God 

of  Jacob. 


4  LESSON    FIRST. 

S.  O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord ;  let 

us  make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  Rock  of 

our  salvation. 
P.  Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with 

thanlvsgiving ;   and  make  a  joyful  noise 

unto  him  with  psalms. 
S.  For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God;    and  a 

great  King  above  all  gods ! 
P.  In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the 

earth ;   the   strength  of  the   liills  is   his 

also. 
S.  The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it ; 
P.  And  Ms  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 
S.  O  come,  let  us  worship,  and  bow  down ; 

and  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker. 
P.  For   he   is   our    God;   and  ^ve  are  the 

people  of  Ms  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of 

his  hand. 
S.  For  the  Lord  is  great,  and  greatly  to 

be  praised. 
P.  Honor    and    majesty   are   before   Mm  ; 

strength    and    beauty   are   in   his   sanc- 
tuary. 
S.  Give  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  Idndred  of 

the   people,   give   unto   the    Lord    glory 

and  strensfth. 


INVITATION    TO    AVOUSHIP.  5 

P.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto 
his  name;  bring  an  ofl'ering,  and  come 
into  his  courts. 

S.  O  worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness ;  fear  before  him  all  the  earth. 

P.  Say  among  the  heathen,  that  the  Lord 
reigneth!  the  world  also  shall  be  estab- 
lished, that  it  shall  not  be  moved. 

S.  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the 
earth  be  glad;  let  the  sea  roar,  and  the 
fulness  thereof. 

P.  Let  the  field  be  joyful,  and  all  that  is 
therein ;  let  all  the  ti-ees  of  the  wood 
rejoice 

S.  Before  the  Lord;  for  he  cometh,  for  he 
Cometh  to  judge  the  earth.  He  shall 
judge  the  world  with  righteousness ; 

P.  And  the  people  with  his  truth. 


1* 


LESSON    SECOND. 


LESSON    II. 


SEEKING    GOD. 


S.  Give  ear  to  my  prayer,  O  God  : 
P.  And  hide  not  thyself  from  my  suppli- 
cation. 
S.  Attend  unto  me  and  hear  me : 
P.  Be    merciful    unto    me,    for    my    soul 

trusteth  in  thee. 
S.  O  God,  thou  art  my  God ;  early  will  I 

seek  thee : 
P.  My  soul  thirsteth  for  thee,  to  see   thy 

power  and  thy  glory. 
S.  Because   thy   loving-kindness   is   better 

than  life,  my  Hps  shall  praise  thee : 
P.  Thus  will  I  bless  thee  while  I  live;   I 

wOl  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy  name. 
S.  My   soul    shall    be    satisfied,   and    my 

mouth  shall  praise  thee  with  joyful  lips  : 
P.  When  I  remember  thee  on  my  bed,  and 

meditate  on  thee  in  the  night  watches. 
S.  Because  thou  hast  been  my  help : 


SEEKING    GOD.  7 

P.  Therefore  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  I  rejoice. 

S.  JMy  soul  foUoweth  hard  after  thee : 

P.  Thy  right  hand  upholdeth  me. 

S.  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the 
heavens : 

P.  And  let  thy  glory  be  above  all  the  earth. 

S.  My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God : 

P.  I  will  sing  and  give  praise. 

S.  I  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the 
people. 

P.  I  will  sing  unto  thee  among  the  na- 
tions. 

S.  For  thy  mercy  is  great  unto  the  heav- 
ens : 

P.  And  thy  truth  unto  the  clouds. 

S.  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the 
heavens : 

P.  Let  thy  glory  be  above  all  the  earth. 

S.  O  give  thanlvs  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 
good: 

P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


LESSON    THIRD. 


LESSON    III. 

ASKING    DIVINE    INSTRUCTION. 

S.  Teach  me,   O    Lord,  the   way   of  thy 

statutes,  and  I   shall  keep  it   unto  the 

end. 
P.  Give    me    understanding,    and   I    shall 

keep   thy  law ;    yea   I   shall   observe  it 

with  my  whole  heart. 
S.  Make  me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  com- 
mandments, for  in  that  do  I  delight. 
P.  Inchne  my  heart  unto  thy  testimonies, 

and  not  to  covetousness. 
S.  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding 

vanity,    and    quicken    thou    me    in    thy 

way. 
P.  Establish   thy  word   unto  thy  servant, 

who  is  devoted  to  thy  fear. 
S.  Wherewith  shall  a  young  man  cleanse 

his  way? 
P.  By  taking  heed  thereto,  according  to 

thy  word. 


ASKING    DIVINE    INSTRUCTION.  U 

S.  With  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought 
thee : 

P.  O  let  me  not  wander  from  thy  com- 
mandments. 

S.  Deal  bountifully  with  thy  servant,  that 
I  may  live  and  keep  thy  word : 

P.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  be- 
hold wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

S.  Make  me  to  understand  the  way  of  thy 
precepts : 

P.  So  shall  I  talk  of  thy  wondrous  works. 

S.  Remove  from  me  the  way  of  lying,  and 
grant  me  thy  law  graciously. 

P.  I  have  chosen  the  way  of  truth ;  thy 
judgments  have  I  laid  before  me. 

S.  I  have  adhered  unto  thy  testimonies  :  O 
Lord,  put  me  not  to  shame. 

P.  I  Avill  rmi  the  way  of  thy  command- 
ments, when  thou  shalt  enlarge  my  heart. 

S.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 
good: 

P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


10  LESSON    FOURTH. 


LESSON   IV. 

O    THAT    MEN    WOULD    PRAISE    THE    LORD. 

S.  O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord,  for 
his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works 
to  the  children  of  men ! 

P.  I  will  praise  the  Lord  with  my  whole 
heart,  in  the  assembly  of  the  upright. 

S.  The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great : 

P.  Sought  out  of  all  them  that  have  pleas- 
ure in  them. 

S.  His  work  is  honorable  and  glorious  : 

P.  And  liis  righteousness  endm'eth  for  ever. 

S.  He  hath  made  his  wonderful  works  to 
be  remembered : 

P.  The  Lord  is  gracious  and  full  of  com- 
passion. 

S.  He  hath  given  meat  unto  them  that  fear 
him: 

P.  He  will  be  ever  mindful  of  liis  covenant. 

S.  The  works  of  his  hands  are  verity  and 
judgment : 


O  THAT  MEN  WOULD  PRAISE  THE  LOKD.    li 

P.  All  his  commandments  are  sure. 

S.  They  stand  for  ever  and  ever,  and  are 

done  in  truth  and  uprightness : 
P.  He  sent  redemption  unto  his  people. 
8.  He  hath  commanded  his  covenant  for 

ever: 
P.  Holy  and  reverend  is  his  name. 
S.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning 

of  wisdom : 
P.  A   good    understanding    have    all  they 

that  do  his  commandments. 
S.  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in 

the  heavens : 
P.  And  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 
S.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel 

in  strength : 
P.  That  do  his  commandments,  hearkening 

unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 
S.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts : 
P.  Ye  ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure. 
S.  Bless  the    Lord,   all   his  works,  in   all 

places  of  his  dominion: 
P.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 


12 


LESSON    FIFTH. 


LESSON    V. 

PRAISE    FROM    ALL    GOd's    WORKS. 

S.  Praise  ye  the  Lord  ;  praise  the  Lord,  O 

my  soul !     While  I  live,  will  I  praise  the 

Lord. 
P.  I  will  sing  praises  unto  my  God,  whUe 

I  have  my  being. 
S.  The  Lord  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind ; 

the   Lord  raiseth  them  that  are  bowed 

down: 
P.  The  Lord  loveth  the  righteous  ;  the  Lord 

preserveth  the  strangers. 
S.  He  relieveth  the  fatherless  and  the  wid- 
ow ;  he  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and 

bindeth  up  their  ^vounds. 
P.  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  of  great  power ; 

his  understanding  is  infinite. 
S.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  thanksgiving ; 

sing  praises  upon  the  harp  unto  our  God. 
P.  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  it  is  good ;  for  it 

is  pleasant,  and  praise  is  comely. 
S.  Praise  ye  him,  all  his  angels : 


PREVISE    FROM    ALL    GOD's    WORKS.  13 

P.  Praise  liim,  all  his  hosts. 

S.  Praise  ye  him,  sun  and  moon : 

P.  Praise  him,  all  ye  stars  of  light. 

&  Praise  him,  ye  heaven  of  heavens,  and 

ye  waters  that  be  above  the  heavens. 
P.  Praise  the  Lord  from  the  earth,  fire  and 

hail,  snow  and  vapor,  stormy  wind,  ful- 
filling his  word : 
8.  INIountains,  and  all  hills ;  fruitful  trees, 

and  all  cedars ; 
P.  Wild  beasts,  and  all  cattle,  ye  animals 

that  creep,  and  bhds  that  fly ; 
S.  Kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  people ;  prm- 

ces,  and  all  judges  of  the  earth ;  young 

men  and  maidens,  old  men  and  children  : 
P.  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
S.  For  his  name  alone  is  excellent : 
P.  His  glory  is  above  the  earth  and  heaven. 
S.  Praise  him  according  to   his   excellent 

greatness. 
P.   For   the    Lord   taketh  pleasure   in   his 

people ;  he  will  beautify  the  meek  with 

salvation : 
S.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 
P.  Sing  praises  unto  our  God;  let  every 

thing  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord. 


14  LESSON    SIXTH. 


LESSON    VI. 

GOD    GREATLY    TO    BE    PRAISED. 

S.  I  will  extol  thee,  my  God,  O  King,  and 
I  will  bless  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

P.  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee,  and  I  will 
praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

S.  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be 
praised;  and  his  greatness  is  unsearch- 
able. 

P.  One  generation  shall  praise  thy  works 
to  another,  and  shall  declare  thy  mighty 
deeds. 

S.  I  will  speak  of  the  glorious  honor  of  thy 
majesty,  and  of  thy  wondrous  works. 

P.  And  men  shall  speak  of  the  might  of 
thy  terrible  acts ;  they  shall  abundantly 
utter  the  memory  of  thy  great  goodness, 
and  shall  sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

;Si.  The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  com- 
passion ;  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great 
mercy. 


GOD  GREATLY  TO  BE  PRAISED.      15 

P.  The  Lord  is  good  to  all,  and  his  tender 
mercies  are  over  all  his  works. 

^.  All  thy  works  shall  praise  thee,  O  Lord, 
and  thy  saints  shall  bless  thee. 

P.  They  shall  speak  of  the  glory  of  thy 
kingdom,  and  talk  of  thy  power ; 

S.  To  make  laiown  to  the  sons  of  men 
thy  mighty  deeds,  and  the  glorious  maj- 
esty of  thy  kingdom. 

P.  Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  king- 
dom, and  thy  dominion  endureth  through- 
out all  generations. 

S.  The  Lord  upholdeth  aU  that  fall ; 

P.  And  raiseth  up  all  that  be  bowed  down. 

S.  The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee ; 

P.  And  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in 
due  season. 

S.  Thou  openest  thine  hand  ; 

P.  And  satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living 
thing. 

S.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  aU  his  ways ; 

P.  And  holy  in  aU  his  works. 

S.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  aU  that  call  upon 
him; 

P.  To  all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth. 

S.  He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fea?- 


16  LESSON    SIXTH. 

him ;  he  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save 

them. 
P.  The  Lord  preserveth  all  them  that  love 

him. 
S.  My  mouth  shall  speak  the  praise  of  the 

Lord ; 
P.  And  let  all  flesh  bless  his  holy  name, 

for  ever  and  ever. 


GOD    SEEN    IN    HIS    WORKS.  17 


LESSON     VII. 

GOD    SEEN    IN    HIS    WORKS. 

S.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 

P.  O  Lord,  my  God,  thou  art  very  great ; 

thou  art  clothed  with  honor  and  majesty. 
iS.  Thou  coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with 

a  garment ;  thou  stretchest  out  the  heav- 
ens like  a  cui'taLn. 
P.  Thou  layest  the  beams  of  thy  chambers 

in  the  waters ;   thou  makest  the  clouds 

thy  chariot,  and  walkest  upon  the  wings 

of  the  wind. 
S.  Thou  makest  the  winds  thy  messengers, 

thy  ministers  the  flaming  fire. 
P.  Thou  didst  lay  the  foundations  of  the 

earth,  that  it  should  not  be  removed  for 

ever. 
S.  The  waters  stood  above  the  mountains ; 

at  thy  rebuke  they  fled : 
P.  At  the  voice  of  thy  thunder  they  hasted 

away. 

2* 


18  LESSON    SEVENTH. 

S.  Thou  hast  set  a  bound,  that  they  may 

not  pass  over ; 
P.  That  they  turn  not  to  cover  the  earth. 
S.  Thou  makest  the  grass  to  grow  for  the 

cattle ; 
P.  And  herb  for  the  service  of  man. 
S.  Thou  appointest  the  moon  for  seasons ; 

the  sun  knoweth  his  going  down. 
P.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works ! 

In  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  aU. 
S.  The  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches ; 
P.  So  is  tliis  great  and  wide  sea,  wherein 

are  things  living  innumerable. 
S.   These  wait   all   upon  thee,  that  thou 

mayest  give  them  their  meat  in  due  sea- 
son. 
P.  That  thou  givest  them,  they  gather. 
S.  Thou  openest  thine  hand  ; 
P.  They  are  jfilled  with  good. 
S.  Thou  hidest  thy  face ; 
P.  They  are  troubled. 
S.  Thou  takest  away  their  breath ; 
P.  They  die,  and  retm-n  to  their  dust> 
S.  Thou  sendest  forth  thy  spkit ; 
P.  They  are  created,  and  thou  renewest  the 

face  of  the  earth. 


GOD    SEEN    IN    HIS    WORKS.  19 

S.  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I 
live ;  I  will  sing  praise  unto  my  God 
while  I  have  my  being. 

P.  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet; 
I  will  be  glad  in  the  Lord.     Bless  the 


Lord,   O  my  soul 


20  LESSON    EIGHTH. 


LESSON     VIII. 

god's  works  and  word. 

S.  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God, 

and  the  firmament   showeth   his   handi- 
work. 
P.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night 

unto  night  showeth  knowledge. 
S.  They  have  no  speech  nor  language,  and 

their  voice  is  not  heard : 
P.  Yet  then'  line  is  gone  out  through  all 

the  earth,  and  their  words  to  the  end  of 

the  world. 
S.  In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the 

sun; 
P.  "Which  is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out 

of  his  chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as  a  strong 

man  to  run  a  race. 
S.  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the 

heaven ; 
P.  And   his   circuit  unto   the   ends  of  it; 


god's  works  and  avord.  21 

and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat 
thereof. 

S.  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  convert 
ing  the  soul ; 

P.  The    testimony    of   the    Lord    is    sm-e, 
maldng  wise  the  simple : 

S.  The    statutes    of   the    Lord    are   right, 
rejoicing  the  heart; 

P.  The  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure, 
enlightening  the  eyes : 

S.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring 
for  ever ; 

P.  The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are   true, 
and  righteous  altogether : 

S.  More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold ; 
yea,  than  much  fine  gold  : 

P.  Sweeter  also  than  honey,  and  the  honey- 
comb. 

;S.  Moreover,  by  them  is  thy  servant  warn- 
ed ; 

P.  And  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great 
reward. 

S.  Who  can  understand  his  errors  ? 

P.  Cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults  I 

S.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  pre- 
sumptuous sins. 


22  LESSON    EIGHTH. 

P.  Let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me ; 

then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  be 

innocent  from  the  great  transgression. 
S.  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the 

meditation  of  my  heart, 
P.  Be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my 

strength  and  my  redeemer ! 


JOYFUL    WORSHIP.  23 


LESSON    IX. 

JOYFUL    WORSHIP. 

S.  ]\Iake  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all 

ye  lands. 
P.  Serve  the    Lord  with   gladness ;   come 

before  his  presence  with  singing. 
S.  Know  ye   that  the  Lord,  he  is   God; 

it  is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  not  we 

ourselves : 
P.  We  are  liis  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his 

pasture. 
S.  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving, 

and  into  his  courts  with  praise. 
P.  Be   thankful    unto    him,    and  bless  his 

name. 
S.  For  the    Lord   is   good ;   his    mercy  is 

everlasting, 
P.  And  his  truth   endureth  to  all  genera- 
tions. 
S.  I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let 

us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
P.  Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates, 

O  Jerusalem. 


24  LESSON   NINTH. 

S.  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem : 

P.  They  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

S.  Peace  be  within  thy  walls  ; 

P.  And  prosperity  witliin  thy  palaces. 

S.  How  amiable   are    thy  tabernacles,    O 

Lord  of  Hosts!     My  soul  longeth,  yea, 

even  fainteth,  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord : 
P.  My  heart  and  my  flesh  crieth  out  for 

the  living  God. 
S.  Yea,  the  spaiTow  hath  found  a  house, 

and  the  swallow  a  nest  for  herself,  where 

she  may  lay  her  young  : 
P.  Even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  Hosts,  my 

King  and  my  God. 
S.  A  day  in  thy  courts   is  better  than  a 

thousand : 
P.  I  would  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the 

house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the 

tents  of  wickedness. 
S.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  shield ; 

the  Lord  wdll  give  grace  and  glory : 
P.  No  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from 

them  that  walk  uprightly. 
S.  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house ; 

they  will  be  still  praising  thee : 
P.  O  Lord  of  Hosts,  blessed  is  the  man 

that  trusteth  in  thee. 


REJOICIxXG    IN    GOD.  25 


LESSON    X. 

REJOICING    IN    GOD. 

S.  I  will  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord 
for  ever : 

P.  AVith  my  mouth  will  I  make  known  thy 
faithfulness  to  all  generations. 

S.  And  the  heavens  shall  praise  thy  won- 
ders, O  Lord: 

P.  Thy  faithfulness  also  in  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  saints. 

S.  For  who,  in  the  heaven,  can  be  com- 
pared unto  the  Lord  ? 

P.  Who,  among  the  sons  of  the  mighty, 
can  be  likened  unto  the  Lord  ? 

S.  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the  as- 
sembly of  his  saints : 

P.  And  to  be  had  in  reverence  of  all  them 
that  are  about  him. 

S.  O  Lord  God  of  Hosts,  who  is  a  strong 
Lord,  ince  unto  thee  ? 

P.  Or  to  thy  faithfulness  round  about  thee  ? 

S.  Thou  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea : 

3 


26  LESSON    TENTH. 

P.  When   the   waves    thereof   arise,   thou 

stillest  them. 
S.  The  heavens   are  thine,  and  the   earth 

also  is  thine : 
P.  As  for  the  world,  and  the  fulness  thereof, 

thou  hast  founded  them. 
S.  The   north    and    the   south,   thou   hast 

created  them : 
P.  Thou  hast  a  mighty  arm,  and  high  is 

thy  right  hand. 
S.  Justice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation 

of  thy  throne : 
P.  Mercy  and  truth  shall  go  before  thy  face. 
S.  Blessed   is   the   people   that  know  the 

joyful  sound : 
P.  They  shall  walk,  O  Lord,  in  the  light  of 

thy  comitenance. 
/S.  In  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  all  the 

day: 
P.  And  in  thy  righteousness  shall  they  be 

exalted. 
S.  For  the  Lord  is  om*  defence : 
P.  And   the    Holy    One   of  Israel  is   our 

king. 
S.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;   for  he 

is  good  : 
P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


THE    GOODNESS    OF    GOD.  27 


LESSON    XI. 

THE    GOODNESS    OF    GOD. 

i5.  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times ;  his 

praise  shall  continually  be  in  ray  mouth. 
P.   O  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let 

LIS  exalt  his  name  together. 
S.   I  sought  the   Lord,  and  he  heard  me, 

and  delivered  me  from  all  my  fears. 
P.  Look  up  unto  him  and  be  enlightened, 

and  yom*  faces  shall  never  be  ashamed. 
S.   The  poor  man  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard 

him,  and  saved  him  out  of  all  his  troubles. 
P.   The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round 

about  them  that  fear  him,  and  delivereth 

them. 
S.  O  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good : 
P.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  him. 
S.  O  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints;  for  there 

is  no  want  to  them  that  fear  him. 
P.  The   young   lions   do   lack,   and   suffer 

hunger;    but   they   that   seek   the    Lord 

shall  not  want  any  good  thing. 


28  LESSON    ELEVENTH. 

S.  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me ;  I 

will  teach  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
P.  What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  and 

loveth  many  days,  that  he  may  see  good  ? 
S.  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips 

from  spealdng  guile : 
P.  Depart  from   evil,  and   do  good;  seek 

peace,  and  pursue  it. 
S.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  right- 
eous, and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their 

cry: 
P.  The  face  of  the  Lord  is  against  them 

that  do  evil,  to  cut  off  the  remembrance 

of  them  from  the  earth. 
S.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  hear- 

eth,  and  delivereth  them  out  of  all  their 

ti'oubles. 
P.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are 

of  a  broken  heart,  and  saveth  such  as 

be  of  a  contrite  spirit. 
S.  Evil   shall  slay  the  wicked;   and  they 

that  hate  the  righteous  shall  be  desolate. 
P.   The    Lord  redeemeth  the  soul   of  his 

servants,  and  none   of  them   that  trust 

in  him  shall  be  desolate. 


THE    CREATION.  29 


LESSON    XII. 


THE    CREATION. 


S.  In  the  beginning,  God  created  the  heaven 

and  the  earth. 
P.   And  the  earth  was  without  form  and 

void,  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of 

the  deep ;  and  the  spirit  of  God  moved 

upon  the  face  of  the  waters. 
S.  And  God  said,  Let  there  be  light;  and 

there  was  light : 
P.  And    God   saw  the  light  that  it  was 

good. 
S.  And  God  said.  Let  the  waters  under  the 

heaven    be    gathered   together  unto  one 

place,  and  let  the  diy  land  appear: 
P.  And  it  was  so. 
S.  And  God  said,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth 

grass,   the   herb   yielding  seed,  and   the 

fruit-tree  yielding  fruit : 
P.  And  it  was  so ;  and  God  saw  that  it 

was  good. 

3* 


30  LESSON    TWELFTH. 

S.  And  God  created  every  living  creature 
that  moveth  in  the  waters,  which  brought 
forth  abundantly,  and  every  winged  fowl : 

P.  And  God  saw  that  it  was  good,  and 
blessed  them. 

S.  And  God  made  the  beast  of  the  earth, 
and  cattle,  and  every  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth : 

P.  And  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

S.  And  God  said.  Let  us  make  man  in  our 
image,  after  our  lilvcness ;  and  let  him 
have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea 
and  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  cattle, 
and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every 
creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth : 

F.  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image, 
and  blessed  him ;  and  God  saw  every- 
thing that  he  had  made,  and  behold  it 
was  very  good. 

S.  O  Lord,  our  God,  how  excellent  is  thy 
name  in  all  the  earth !  When  I  consider 
the  heavens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers  ; 

P.  The  moon  and  the  stars  which  thou  hast 
ordained, 

S.  What  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of 
him 


THE    CREATION.  31 

P.  And  the  son  of  man  that  thou  visitest 

him? 
S.  For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little  lower 

than  tlje  angels, 
P.  And  hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and 

honor. 
S.   Thou   madest   him   to   have  dominion 

over  all  the  works  of  thy  hand. 
P.  O  Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy 

name  in  all  the  earth ! 


^2 


LESSON    THIRTEENTH. 


LESSON    XIII. 

GOD    EVER    PRESENT. 

S.   O    Lord,   thou   hast  searched  me  and 

known  me. 
P.    Thou    knowest    my   down-sitting  and 

mine  uprising;   thou   understandest  my 

thought  afar  off. 
S.  Thou  compassest  my  path  and  my  lying 

down,  and  art  acquainted  with   all  my 

ways. 
P.  For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue, 
■^but  lo!   O   Lord,  thou  knowest  it  alto- 
gether. 
S.  Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before, 

and  laid  thine  hand  upon  me. 
P.   Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for 

me  ;  it  is  high  ;  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 
S.  Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  spirit  ?  or 

whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ? 
P.  K  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou   art 

there;  if  I  make  my  bee"  in  the  grave, 

behold  thou  art  there. 


GOD    EVER    PRESENT.  33 

<Si.  If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and 

dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea, 
P.  Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and 

thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me. 
<S.  K  I  say,  Sm-ely  the  darkness  shall  cover 

me,  even  the  night  shall  be  light  about 

me. 
P.  Yea,  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee ; 

but  the  night  shineth  as  the  day.     The 

darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to 

thee. 
S.  I  will  praise  thee,  for  I  am  fearfully  and 

wonderfully  made. 
P.  Marvellous  are  thy  works,  and  that  my 

soul  knoweth  right  well. 
S.  How  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts  unto 

me,  O  God !     How  great  is  the  sum  o4 

them! 
P.  K  I  should  count  them,  they  are  more 

in  number  than  the  sand ;  when  I  awake, 

I  am  still  with  thee. 
S.  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart ; 
P.  Try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts ; 
S.  And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in 

me, 
P.  And  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 


34  LESSON    FOURTEENTH. 


LESSON    XIV. 

GOD    HEARING    PRAYER. 

S.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call 

upon  him,  to  all  that  call  upon  him  in 

truth  : 
P.  He  will  fulfil  the  desires  of  them  that 

fear  him ;  he  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will 

save  them. 
iS.  K  I  regard   iniquity  in   my  heart,  the 

Lord  will  not  hear  me. 
P.  The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomi- 
nation to  the  Lord,  but  the  prayer  of  the 
*  upright  is  his  delight. 
S.  He  that  cometh  to   God  must  believe 

that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of 

them  that  diligently  seek  him. 
P.  And  ye  shall  seek  me  and  find  me,  saith 

the   Lord,  when  ye  shall  search  for  me 

with  all  your  heart. 
S.  The  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the 

true  worshippers  shall  worship  the  Father 

in  spirit  and  in  truth  ; 


GOD    HEARING    PRAYER.  35 

P.  For  the  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship 

him. 
S.  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you;  seek, 

and  ye  shaU  find ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be 

opened  unto  you. 
P.  For   every  one  that   asketh,  receiveth; 

and  he  that  seeketh,  findeth ;  and  to  him 

that  knocketh,  it  shall  be  opened. 
S.  When    thou    prayest,    enter    into    thy 

closet-;    and   when   thou   hast   shut   thy 

door,   pray  to   thy   Father   which   is   in 

secret ; 
P.  And  thy  Father,  which  seeth  in  secret, 

shall  reward  thee  openly. 
S.  K  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask 

of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally 

and  upbraideth  not, 
P.  And  it  shall  be  given  Mm. 
S.  After  this  manner,  therefore,  pray  ye : 

The  Pupils  repeating  after  the  Superintendent. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven, 
Hallowed  be  thy  name ; 
Thy  kingdom  come ; 

Thy  will    be    done   on   earth   as   it  is  in 
heaven. 


36  LESSON    FOURTEENTH. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread; 

And  forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors ; 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  de- 
liver us  from  evil ; 

For  thine  is  the  Idngdom,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 


THE    HEAVENLY    REFUGE.  37 


LESSON   XV. 

THE    HEAVENLY    REFUGE. 

S.  He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of 

the    INIost   High   shall   abide   under  the 

shadow  of  the  Almighty. 
P.  I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  he  is  my  refuge 

and  my  fortress ;  my  God,  in  him  will  I 

trust. 
S.  Surely   he   sliall    deliver   thee  from  the 

snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from  the  noisome 

pestilence. 
P.  He  shall  cover  thee  with  his  feathers, 

and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  trust. 
S.  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror 

by  night,  nor  for   the    arrow  that  flieth 

by  day ; 
P.  Nor  for  the  pestilence  that  wallceth  in 

darkness,   nor  for    the   destruction    that 

wasteth  at  noonday. 
S.  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and 

ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand;  but  it 

shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

4 


38  LESSON    FIFTEENTH. 

P.  Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold, 
and  see  the  reward  of  the  wicked. 

S.  Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord  thy 
refuge,  even  the  Most  High  thy  habi- 
tation, 

P.  There  shall  no  evil  befall  thee ;  neither 
shall  any  plague  come   nigh  thy  dwell- 

S.  For  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  over 
thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways. 

P.  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands, 
lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone  : 

S.  Thou  shalt  ti-ead  upon  the  lion  and 
adder;  the  young  lion  and  the  dragon 
shalt  thou  trample  under  feet. 

P.  Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me, 
will  I  deliver  him :  I  will  set  him  on 
high,  because  he  hath  known  my  name. 

S.  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  an- 
swer him  ;  I  wdll  be  with  him  in  trouble ; 
J  wall  deliver  him  and  honor  him. 

P.  With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and 
show  him  my  salvation. 


CONFIDENCE  IN  THE  DIVINE  PROTECTION.    39 


LESSON    XVI. 

CONFIDENCE    IN    THE    DIVINE    PROTECTION. 

S.  Delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  he  shall 
give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 

P.  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord ;  trust 
also  in  him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to 
pass. 

/S.  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for 
him  ;  firet  not  thyself  because  of  him 
who  prospereth  in  his  way;  because  of 
the  man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices 
to  pass. 

P.  Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath ; 
fret  not  thyself  in  anywise  to  do  evil; 
for  evil-doers  shall  be  cut  oif. 

S.  A  Uttle  that  a  righteous  man  hath,  is 
better  than  the  riches  of  many  wicked  : 

P.  The  Lord  knoweth  the  days  of  the  up- 
right ;  they  shall  not  be  ashamed  in  the 
evil  time. 


40  LESSON    SIXTEENTH. 

S.  The  steps  of  a  good  man  are  ordered  by 
the  Lord: 

P.  Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly- 
cast  down;  for  the  Lord  upholdeth  him 
with  his  hand. 

S.  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old; 
yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous  for- 
saken, nor  his  seed  begging  bread. 

P.  Depart  from  evil  and  do  good,  and 
dwell  for  evermore. 

S.  For  the  Lord  loveth  judgment,  and  for- 
saketh  not  his  saints. 

P.  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  speaketh 
wisdom,  and  his  tongue  talketh  of  judg- 
ment. 

S.  The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his  heart; 
none  of  his  steps  shall  slide.  I  have 
seen  the  wicked  in  great  power,  and 
spreading  himself,  like  a  green  bay-tree ; 

P.  Yet  he  passed  away;  and  lo!  he  was 
not ;  yea,  I  sought  him,  but  he  could 
not  be  found! 

S.  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the 
upright ;  for  the  end  of  that  man  is 
peace ! 

P.  The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the 


CONFIDENCE  IN  THE  DIVINE  PROTECTION.    41 

Lord ;    he  is  their  strength  in  the  time 

of  trouble. 
S.  And   the    Lord    shall    help   them,   and 

deliver  them ;  he  shall  deliver  them  from 

the  wicked, 
P.  Because  they  trust  in  him. 


4* 


42  LESSON    SEVENTEENTH. 


LESSON    XVII. 

GOD    OUR    KEEPER. 

S.  I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills, 

from  whence  cometh  my  help. 
P.  My  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  which 

made  heaven  and  earth. 
S.  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved ; 

he  that  keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber : 
P.  He   that   keepeth    Israel    shall    neither 

slumber  nor  sleep. 
S.   The  Lord  is  thy  keeper;   the  Lord  is 

thy  shade  upon  thy  right  hand. 
P.  The  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by  day, 

nor  the  moon  by  night. 
S.  The  Lord  shall  preserve  thee  from  aU 

evil ;  he  shall  preserve  thy  soul. 
P.  The  Lord  shall  preserve  thy  going  out 

and  thy  coming  in,  from  this  time  forth, 

and  even  for  evermore. 
S.  I  love  the  Lord,  because  he  hath  heard 

my  voice  and  my  supplications. 


GOD    OUR    KEEPER.  43 

P.  Because  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto 

me,  and  heard  me ;  therefore  will  I  call 

upon  him  as  long  as  I  live. 
S.   Gracious  is  the   Lord,  and  righteous; 

yea,  our  God  is  merciful. 
P.  The  Lord  preserveth  the  simple ;  I  was 

brought  low,  and  he  helped  me. 
S.  Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul,  for  the 

Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee. 
P.  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 

death,  my  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet 

from  falling. 
S.  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land 

of  the  living. 
P.   I  will   ofler   to   thee   the   sacrifices   of 

thanksgiving,    and  will    call    upon    the 

name  of  the  Lord. 
S.  O  praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations ;  praise 

him,  all  ye  people ; 
P.   For  his  merciful  kindness  is  great  to- 
ward us ;  and  the  truth  of  the  Lord  en- 

dureth  for  ever.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


44  LESSON    EIGHTEENTH. 


LESSON     XVIII. 

THE    DIVINE    SHEPHERD. 

S.  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not 

want. 
P.   He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green 

pastures ;  he  leadeth  me  beside  the  still 

waters : 
S.  He  restoreth  my  soul ;  he  leadeth  me  in 

the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's 

sake. 
P.  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley 

of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no 

evil: 
S.  For  thou  art  with  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy 

staff  they  comfort  me. 
P.  Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the 

presence  of  mine  enemies. 
S.  Thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil ;  my 

cup  runneth  over. 
P.  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow 

me  all  the  days  of  my  life,  and  I  will 

dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 


THE    DIVINE    SHEPHERD.  45 

S.  Give  ear,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou 
that  leadest  Joseph  like  a  flock ;  thou 
that  dwellest  between  the  cherubim, 
shine  forth. 

P.  Turn  us  again,  O  God,  and  cause  thy 
face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  we  shall  be 
saved. 


46  LESSON    NINETEENTH. 


LESSON    XIX. 

TENDERNESS    OF    THE    DIVINE    LOVE 

S.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that 
is  within  me  bless  his  holy  name. 

P.  Bless  the  Lorcf,  O  my  soul,  and  forget 
not  all  his  benefits ; 

S.  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities ;  who 
healeth  aU  thy  diseases ; 

P.  Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruc- 
tion ;  who  crowneth  thee  with  loving- 
kindness  and  tender  mercies ; 

S.  Who  satisfieth  thy  mouth  with  good, 
so  that  thy  youth  is  renewed  like  the 
eagle's. 

P.  The  Lord  executeth  righteousness  and 
judgment  for  aU  that  are  oppressed. 

S.  He  made  known  his  ways  unto  Moses ; 
his  acts  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

P.  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gi-acious ;  slow 
to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 

S.  He  will  not  always  chide;  neither  will 
he  keep  his  anger  for  ever. 


TENDERNESS    OF    THE    DIVINE    LOVE.      47 

P.  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins, 
nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  iniqui- 
ties. 

S.  For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the 
earth,  so  great  is  his  mercy  toward  them 
that  fear  him. 

P.  As  far  as  the  east  is  fi'om  the  west,  so 
far  hath  he  removed  our  transgressions 
from  us. 

S.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so 
the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 

P.  For  he  knoweth  our  frame ;  he  remem- 
bereth  that  we  are  dust. 

S.  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  gi-ass ;  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flom*isheth ; 

P.  For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is 
gone ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it 
no  more. 

S.  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting  upon  them  that 
fear  him ; 

P.  And  his  righteousness  unto  children's 
children  to  such  as  keep  his  covenant, 
and  to  those  that  remember  his  com- 
mandments to  do  them. 

<S.  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in 


48  LESSON    NINETEENTH. 

the  heavens,  and  his  kingdom  ruleth  over 
aU. 

P.  His  kindgom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom, 
and  his  dominion  endm:eth  throughout 
all  generations. 

S.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel 
in  strength,  that  do  his  commandments, 
hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 

P.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts ;  ye  min- 
isters of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure. 

S.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works,  in  all 
places  of  his  dominion : 

P.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 


GOD    ORDERING    OUR    WAYS.  49 


LESSON   XX. 

GOD    ORDERING    OUR    WAYS. 

S.  Blessed  are  the  undefiled  in  the  way : 

P.  "Who  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 

S.  Blessed  are  they  that  keep  his  testi- 
monies : 

P.  And  that  seek  him  with  the  whole  heart. 

S.  O  that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep 
thy  statutes ! 

P.  Then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed,  when 
I  have  respect  unto  all  thy  command- 
ments. 

S.  I  will  praise  thee  with  uprightness  of 
heart: 

P.  When  I  shall  have  learned  thy  righteous 
judgments. 

iS.  I  ^^dll  keep  thy  statutes : 

P.  O  forsake  me  not  utterly. 

S.  I  will  never  forget  thy  precepts : 

P.  For  with  them  thou  hast  quickened  me. 

5 


50  LESSON    TWENTIETH. 

S.  How  sweet  are  thy  words  unto  my 
taste ! 

P.  Yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth. 

S.  Tlirough  thy  precepts  I  get  understand- 
ing : 

P.  Therefore  I  hate  every  false  way. 

S.  Deal  with  thy  servant  according  to  thy 
mercy : 

P.  I  am  thy  servant ;  give  me  understand- 
ing, that  I  may  know  thy  testimonies. 

S.  Quicken  me,  O  Lord,  according  to  thy 
word : 

P.  Accept,  I  beseech  thee,  the  free-will 
offerings  of  my  mouth,  O  Lord. 

S.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 
good: 

P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


DEVOUT    TRUST.  51 


LESSON    XXI. 

DEVOUT    TRUST. 

S.  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation ; 
whom  shall  I  fear  ? 

P.  The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life ;  of 
whom  shall  I  be  afraid  ? 

S.  Though  a  host  should  encamp  against 

•    me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear ; 

P.  For  in  the  time  of  trouble,  he  shall  hide 
me  in  his  pavilion. 

S.  HcEir,  O  Lord,  when  I  cry  with  my 
voice ;  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  an- 
swer me. 

P.  When  thou  saidst,  Seek  ye  my  face ; 
my  heart  said  unto  thee.  Thy  face.  Lord, 
\\nl\  I  seek. 

S.  Leave  me  not,  neither  forsake  me,  O 
God  of  my  salvation. 

P.  When  my  father  and  my  mother  for- 
sake me,  then  the  Lord  will  take  me 
up. 


52  LESSON    TWENTV-FIRST. 

S.  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead 

me  in  a  plain  path : 
P.  I  had  fainted,  miless  I  had  believed  to 

see  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  land 

of  the  living : 
S.  Wait  on  the  Lord : 
P.  Be    of    good    courage,    and    he    shall 

strengthen  thy  heart. 
S.  Blessed  be  the   Lord,  because   he  hath 

heard  the  voice  of  my  supplication. 
P.  The     Lord    is    my    strength    and    my 

shield. 
S.  My   heart   trusted   in   him,  and   I   am 

helped : 
P.  Therefore    my   heart    greatly   rejoiceth, 

and  with  my  song  will  I  praise  him. 
S.  Give  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  mighty !  give 

unto  the  Lord  glory  and  strength. 
P.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto 

his  name ;  worsliip  the  Lord  in  the  beau- 
ty of  holiness. 
S.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  powerful : 
P.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  full  of  ma- 
jesty. 
S.  The   voice   of  the    Lord    divideth  the 

flames  of  fire. 


DEVOUT    TRUST.  53 

P.  The  Lord  shaketh  the  wilderness :  the 

Lord  sitteth  upon  the  flood. 
S.  Yea,  the  Lord  sitteth  Idng  for  ever : 
P.  The    Lord  will  bless   his   people  with 

peace. 


5* 


54  LESSON    TWENTY-SECOND. 


LESSON    XXII. 

HUMAN    FRAILTY    AND    THE    DIVINE    HELP. 

S.  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and 
the  measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is ; 

P.  That  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am. 

S.  Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a 
handbreadth,  and  mine  age  is  as  nothing 
before  thee : 

P.  Every  man  at  his  best  estate  is  alto- 
gether vanity. 

S.  Thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in 
all  generations.  Before  the  mountains 
were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst 
formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 

P.  Even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 
thou  art  God. 

S.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction;  and 
sayest.  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

P.  For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are 
but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as 
a  watch  in  the  night. 


HUMAN  FRAILTY  AND  THE  DIVINE  HELP.    55 

S.  Thovi   carriest  them   away  as    with   a 
•     flood : 

P.  They  are  as  a  sleep. 
S.  They  are  like  grass,  which  groweth  up 

in  the  morning ; 
P.  And  in  the  evening  is  cut   down  and 

withereth. 
S.  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength : 
P.  A  very  present  help  in  trouble. 
S.  Therefore  will  we  not  fear,  though  the 

earth  be  removed ; 
P.  And  though  the  mountains  be  carried 

into  the  midst  of  the  sea. 
S.  I  waited  patiently  for  the   Lord ;   and 

he    inclined    unto    me,   and    heard    my 

cry. 
P.  And  he  hath  put  a  new   song  in   my 

mouth,  even  praise  unto  our  God. 
S.  Blessed  is   the  man  that  maketh   the 

Lord  his  trust ; 
P.  And  respecteth  not  the  proud,  nor  such 

as  turn  aside  unto  lies. 
S.  Many,  O  Lord,  are  thy  wonderful  works, 

and  thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us  ward. 
P.  K  I  would  declare  and  speak  of  them, 

they  are  more  than  can  be  numbered. 


56  LESSON    TWENTY-SECOND. 

S.  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God; 
yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart. 

P.  Let  thy  loving-kindness  and  thy  trath 
continually  preserve  me :  let  those  that 
seek  thee  rejoice,  and  be  glad  in  thee. 

S.  God  is  our  guide,  for  ever  and  ever : 

P.  He  will  be  our  guide,  even  unto  death. 


CONFESSION    OF    SINS.  57 


LESSON    XXIII. 

CONFESSION    OF    SINS. 

S.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord,  accord- 
ing to  thy  loving-ldndness ;  according  to 
the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  blot 
out  my  transgressions. 

P.  Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  in- 
iquity, and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin : 

S.  For  I  acknowledge  my  transgression, 
and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me. 

P.  Behold,  thou  desu-est  truth  in  the  inward 
parts,  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  shalt 
make  me  to  know  wisdom. 

S.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and 
renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

P.  Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence ; 
and  take  not  thy  holy  spirit  from  me. 

S.  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips ; 

P.  And  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy 
praise. 

S.  For  thou  desirest  not  sacrifice,  else  would 


§8  LESSON    TWENTY-THIRD. 

I  give  it;  thou  delightest  not  in  burnt- 
offerings. 

P.  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken 
spirit :  a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart  thou 
wilt  not  despise. 

S.  Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be 
found  ;  call  ye  upon  him  while  he  is  near. 
Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the 
unrighteous  man  his  thoughts  ; 

P.  And  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and 
he  will  have  mercy  upon  him  ;  and  to  our 
God,  for  he  will  abundantly  pardon. 

S.  For  my  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts, 
neither  are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith  the 
Lord. 

P.  For  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the 
earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than  your 
ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your 
thoughts. 

S.  For  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One 
that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is 
Holy :  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place , 

P.  With  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and 
humble  spirit ;  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the 
humble,  and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the 
contrite. 


IMPLORING    MERCY.  59 


LESSON    XXIV. 

IMPLORING    MERCY. 

S.  Bow  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear 

me: 
P.   Preserve  my  soul ;    O  thou  my   God, 

save  thy  servant,  that  trusteth  in  thee. 
S.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  cry 

unto  thee  daily : 
P.  Rejoice  the  soul  of  thy  servant ;  for  unto 

thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 
S.  For  thou.  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to 

forgive : 
P.  And  plenteous  in  mercy  to  all  them  that 

call  upon  thee. 
S.  Give  ear,  O  Lord,  to  my  prayer : 
P.  And  attend  to  the  voice  of  my  supplica- 
tions. 
S.  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord : 
P.  I  will  walk  in  thy  truth :  unite  my  heart 

to  fear  thy  name. 
S.  I  will  praise  thee,   O   Lord,  my   God, 

with  all  my  heart: 
P.   And  I  will  glorify  thy  name  for  ever. 


60  LESSON    TWENTY-FOURTH. 

S.  For  great  is  thy  mercy  towards  me : 

P.  And  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul. 

S.  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  com- 
passion, and  gracious  ;  long-suffering,  and 
plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth : 

P.  Show  us  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant 
us  thy  salvation. 

S.  Thou  hast  holden  me  by  my  right  hand : 

P.  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  counsel, 
and  afterward  receive  me  to  glory. 

S.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ? 

P.  And  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  de- 
sire beside  thee. 

S.  My  flesh  and  my  heart  fail : 

P.  But  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart, 
and  my  portion  for  ever. 

S.  For  lo !  they  that  are  far  from  thee  shall 
perish : 

P.  Thou  hast  destroyed  all  them  that  go 
astray  from  thee. 

S.  But  it  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to 
God: 

P.  I  have  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord  God, 
that  I  may  declare  all  thy  works. 

S.  O  give  thanlcs  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 
good : 

P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


CHOOSING    GOD    FOR    OUR    PORTION.        61 


LESSON    XXV. 

CHOOSING  GOD  FOR  OUR  PORTION. 

S.  Thou  art  my  portion,  O  Lord : 

P.  I  have  said  that  I  would  keep  thy  words. 

S.  I  entreated  thy  favor  \\dth  my  whole 
heart : 

P.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  according  to  thy 
word. 

S.  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned  my 
feet  unto  thy  testimonies  : 

P.  Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thy  pre- 
cepts ;  quicken  me  in  thy  righteousness 

S.  I  have  remembered  thy  name,  O  Lord, 
in  the  night,  and  have  kept  thy  law : 

P.  At  midnight  I  will  rise  to  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  because  of  thy  righteous  judg- 
ments. 

S.  The  earth,  O  Lord,  is  full  of  thy  mercy : 

P.  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  thy  servant, 
O  Lord,  according  unto  thy  word. 


()2  LESSON    TWENTY-FIFTH. 

S.  Thy  hands  have  made  me  and  fashioned 
me: 

P.  Give  me  understanding,  that  I  may 
learn  thy  commandments. 

S.  Let  thy  merciful  kindness  be  for  my 
comfort,  according  to  thy  word : 

P.  Let  thy  tender  mercies  come  unto  me, 
that  I  may  live ;  for  thy  law  is  my  de- 
light. 

S.  Let  those  that  fear  thee  turn  unto  me, 
and  those  that  have  known  thy  testi- 
monies : 

P.  Let  my  heart  be  sound  in  thy  statutes, 
that  I  be  not  ashamed. 

S.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 
good : 

P.  For  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 


LOOKI\G    UP    FOR    HELP.  63 


LESSON     XXVI. 

LOOKING    UP    FOR    HELP. 

S.  Unto  thee  I  lift  up  mine  eyes,  O  Thou 

who  dwellest  in  the  heavens : 
P.  As  the  eyes  of  servants  look  to  the  hand 

of  their  masters,  so  our  eyes  wait  upon 

the  Lord  our   God,  until  he  have  mercy 

upon  us. 
S.  It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are 

not  consumed,  because  his  compassions 

fail  not. 
P.  They  are  new  every  morning :  great  is 

thy  faithfulness. 
S.  The  Lord  is  my  portion ;  therefore  wiU 

I  hope  in  him  : 
P.  The  Lord  is  good  to  them  that  wait  for 

him ;  to  the  soul  that  seeketh  him. 
S.  While  I  live  wUl  I  praise  the  Lord : 
P.  I  will  sing  praises  to  my  God  while  I 

have  any  being. 
S.  Happy  is  he  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord 

his  God: 


64  LESSON    TWENTY-SIXTH. 

P.  Who  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea, 

and  all  that  therein  is  : 
S.  "Who  keepeth  truth  for  ever : 
P.    Who   executeth  judgment  for  the  op- 
pressed. 
S.    The    Lord   looseth   the   prisoners :    the 

Lord  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind: 
P.  The  Lord  raiseth  them  that  are  bowed 

down : 
S.  The  Lord  preserveth  the  strangers ;  he 

relieveth  the  fatherless  and  the  widow : 
P.  But  the  way  of  the  wicked  he  turneth 

upside  down. 
S.  The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  his  people ; 

he  ^vill  beautify  the  meek  \vith  salvation. 
P.  Let  the  saints  be  joyful  in  glory ;  let  the 

high  praises  of  God  be  in  their  mouth. 
S.  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is 

good: 
P.  For  his  mercy  endm'eth  for  ever. 


HOPE    IN    TROUBLE.  65 


LESSON    XXVII. 

HOPE    IN    TROUBLE. 

S.  Out  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee, 
O  Lord : 

P.  Lord,  hear  my  voice ;  let  thine  ears  be 
attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  supplica- 
tions. 

S.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldst  mark  iniquities, 

0  Lord,  who  shall  stand  ? 

P.  But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that 

thou  mayest  be  feared. 
S.  I  wait  for  the  Lord ;  my  soul  doth  wait, 

and  in  his  word  do  I  hope : 
P.  My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  more  than 

they  that  watch  for  the  morning. 
S.  With  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with 

him  is  plenteous  redemption. 
P.   Lord,  I  have  hoped  for  thy  salvation, 

and  done  thy  commandments. 
S.  My  soul  hath  kept  thy  testimonies,  and 

1  love  them  exceedingly : 

6* 


66  LESSON    TWENTY-SE  \rENTH. 

P.  I  have  kept  thy  precepts  and  thy  testi- 
monies, for  all  my  ways  are  before  thee. 

S.  Let  my  cry  come  near  before  thee,  O 
Lord ;  give  me  miderstanding,  according 
to  thy  word : 

P.  Let  my  supplication  come  before  thee ; 
deliver  me,  according  to  thy  word. 

S.  My  lips  shall  utter  praise,  when  thou 
hast  taught  me  thy  statutes: 

P.  My  tongue  shall  speak  of  thy  word ;  for 
all  thy  commandments  are  righteousness. 

S.  Let  thy  hand  help  thee ;  for  I  have  cho- 
sen thy  precepts. 

P.  I  have  longed  for  thy  salvation,  O  Lord ; 
and  thy  law  is  my  delight. 

S.  Let  my  soul  live,  and  it  shall  praise 
thee : 

P.  Let  thy  judgments  help  thee,  for  I  do 
not  forget  thy  commandments. 


CHRISTIAN    LOVE.  67 


LESSON    XXVIII. 

CHRISTIAN    LOVE.  ' 

S.  God  is  love;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in 
love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

P.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time: 
if  we  love  one  another,  God  dwelleth  in 
us,  and  his  love  is  perfected  in  us. 

S.  He  that  loveth  not  his  brother,  whom 
he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love  God, 
whom  he  hath  not  seen? 

P.  And  this  commandment  have  we  from 
Him,  that  he  who  loveth  God,  love  his 
brother  also. 

S.  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God 
and  the  Father  is  this  : 

P.  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in 
their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  un- 
spotted from  the  world. 

S.  Recompense  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 

P.  Bless  them  which  persecute  you. 

S.  K  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in 
you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 


68  LESSON    TWENTY-EIGHTH. 

P.  If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him ;  if  he 
thirst,  give  him  drink.  Be  not  overcome 
of  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with  good. 

S.  Let  every  man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow 
to  speak;  slow  to  wrath,  for  the  wrath 
of  man  worketh  not  the  righteousness  of 
God. 

P.  Let  all  bitterness  and  wrath  and  clamor 
and  evil-speaking  be  put  away  from  you, 
with  all  malice : 

S.  And  be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tender- 
hearted, forgiving  one  another,  even  as 
God,  through  Christ,  hath  forgiven  you. 

P.  Be  ye,  therefore,  followers  of  God,  as 
dear  children. 

S.  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth 
all  understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts 
and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus. 

P.  Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  us 
from  falling,  and  to  present  us  faultless 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with 
exceeding  joy  ; 

S.  Unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  can  ask 
or  think ; 

P.  Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church,  through 
Christ  Jesus,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


THE    FUTURE    LIFE.  69 


LESSON    XXIX. 

THE    FUTURE    LIFE. 

S.  In  my  Father's  house,  said  Jesus,  are 

many   mansions  ;    if  it  were    not   so,  I 

would  have  told  you.    I  go  to  prepare  a 

place  for  you : 
P.  And  if  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you, 

I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto 

myself,  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may 

be  also. 
S.  Yet  a  little  while,  the  world  seeth  me  no 

more ;  but  ye  see  me : 
P.  Because  I  live,  ye  shall  live  also. 
S.  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life ;  he 

that   believeth  in   me,  though   he   were 

dead,  yet  shall  he  live : 
P.  And  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in 

me,  shall  never  die. 
S.  He  that  heareth  my  word,  and  believeth 

on  Him  that  sent  me,  hath  everlasting 

life; 


70  LESSON    TWENTY-NINTH. 

P.  And  shall  not  come  into  condemnation, 
but  is  passed  from  death  unto  life. 

S.  It  is  sown  in  corruption ;  it  is  raised  in 
incorruption. 

P.  It  is  sown  in  dishonor;  it  is  raised  in 
glory. 

S.  It  is  sown  in  weakness ;  it  is  raised  in 
po"wer. 

P.  It  is  sown  a  natural  body ;  it  is  raised  a 
spiritual  body. 

S.  And,  as  we  have  borne  the  image  of  the 
earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
the  heavenly. 

P.  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incor- 
ruption, and  this  mortal  must  put  on 
immortality. 

S.  So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put 
on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall 
have  put  on  immortality, 

P.  Then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  say- 
ing that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed 
up  in  victory. 

S.  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory  ? 

P.  The  sting  of  death  is  sin;  but  thanks 
be  to  God  which  giveth  us  the  victory, 
through  om'  Lord  Jesus  Clnrist. 


THE    FUTURE    LIFE.  71 

S.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
steadfast,  immovable,  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord ; 

P.  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor 
is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 


72  LESSON    THIRTIETH. 


LESSON    XXX. 

RETRIBUTION. 

S.  The  Lord  shall  endure  for  ever ;  he  hath 

prepared    his   throne   for  judgment ;   he 

shall  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 

and  minister  judgment  to  the  people  in 

uprightness. 
P.  And  we  are  sure  that  the  judgment  of 

God  is    according    to    truth,   who   will 

render  to   every  man   according  to   his 

deeds : 
S.  To  them  who,  by  patient  continuance 

in  well-doing,  seek  for  glory,  honor,  and 

immortality, 
P.  Eternal  life ; 
S.  But  unto   them   that    are   contentious, 

and  do  not  obey  the  truth, 
P.  Indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and 

anguish,  upon  every  soul  of  man   that 

doeth  evil. 
S.  But   glory,  honor,  and   peace  to  every 

man  that  worketh  good. 


RETRIBUTION.  73 

P.  For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with 
God ;  for  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  are 
just  before  God,  but  the  doers  of  the  law 
shall  be  justified. 

S.  I  beseech  you,  therefore,  by  the  mercies 
of  *God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a 
living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto 
God,  which  is  your  reasonable  service. 

P.  And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world; 
but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing 
of  your  mind, 

S.  That  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good 
and  acceptable  and  perfect  \vill  of  God. 

P.  For  none  of  us  liveth  to  himself,  and  no 
man  dieth  to  himself. 

S.  But  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord;  or  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto 
the  Lord. 

P.  Whether  we  live,  therefore,  or  die,  we 
are  the  Lord's. 

S.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  every  knee 
shall  bow  to  me,  and  every  tongue  shall 
confess  to  God. 

P.  So,  then,  every  one  of  us  shall  give  ac- 
count of  himself  to  God. 

S.  But  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 

7 


74  LESSON    THIRTIETH. 

neither   hath   entered   into   the  heart  of 

man, 
P.  The  things  which   God  hath  prepared 

for  them  that  love  him. 
S.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches,  both  of  the 

wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  ! 
P.  How  unsearchable  are  his   judgments, 

and  his  ways  past  finding  out ! 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  75 


LESSON     XXXI. 

THE    COMMANDMENTS. 

S.  Fear  God  and  keep  his  commandments ; 
for  this  is  the  whole  duty  of  man. 

P.  For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into 
judgment,  with  every  secret  thing,  wheth- 
er it  be  good  or  whether  it  be  evil. 

S.  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  what  is 
good. 

P.  What  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee  but 
to  do  justly,  love  mercy,  and  wallv  hum- 
bly with  thy  God  ? 

S.  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons ; 

P.  But  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth  him 
and  worketh  righteousness  is  accepted 
with  him. 

S.  He  that  hath  my  commandments  and 
keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me, 
said  the  Saviour; 

P.  And  he  that  loveth  me,  shall  be  loved  of 
my  Father ;  and  I  will  love  Mm,  and  will 
manifest  myself  to  him. 


76  LESSON    THIRTY-FIRST. 

S.  The  first  of  all  the   commandments  is 

this : 
P.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 

all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 

with    all    thy   mind,   and  with   aU   thy 

strength. 
S.  And  the  second  is  lilce  unto  it ;  namely, 

this: 
P.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself: 

there  is  none  other  commandment  greater 

than  these. 
S.  And   one   came,  and   said  unto  Jesus, 

What  good  thing  shall  I  do  that  I  may 

have  eternal  life? 
P.   And  Jesus   said   unto   him,    Keep  the 

commandments : 
S.  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder;    thou  shalt 

not  commit  adultery; 
P.  Thou  shalt  not  steal;   thou  shalt  not 

bear  false  witness ; 
S.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  and 

thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 
P.    If  ye   keep    my  commandments,    said 

Jesus',  ye  shall  abide  in  my  love,  even  as 

I  have  kept  my  Father's  commandments, 

and  abide  in  his  love. 


THE    COMMANDMENTS.  77 

S.  Know  ye  not,  that  to  whom  ye  yield 

yourselves  servants  to  obey,  his  servants 

ye  are  whom  ye  obey  ? 
P.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death,  but  the 

gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jesus 

Christ  our  Lord. 
S.  Now  the  end  of  the  commandment  is 

charity  out  of  a  pure  heart,  and  of  a  good 

conscience,  and  of  faith  unfeigned. 
P.  Come  unto  me,  said  Jesus,  aU  ye  that 

labor  and  are  heavy  laden,   and   I  will 

give  you  rest. 
S.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 

me ;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart, 

and  ye  shall  find  rest  to  your  souls  ; 
P.  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is 

light. 


?♦ 


78  LESSON    THIRTY-SECOND. 


LESSON     XXXII. 

LOVE    FOR    CHRIST. 

S.  I  am  the  true  vine ;  and  my  Father  is 

the  husbandman. 
P.  Every  branch  in  me  that  beareth  not 

fruit  he  taketh  away ;  and  every  branch 

that  beareth  fruit,  he  purgeth  it  that  it 

may  bring  forth  more  fruit. 
S.  Abide  in  m.e,  and  I  in  you ;  as  the  branch 

cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself  except  it  abide 

in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye 

abide  in  me. 
P.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches.     He 

that  abideth  in  me,  the  same   bringeth 

forth  much  fruit. 
S.  K  ye  abide  in  me,  and  luy  words  abide 

in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  will,  and  it 

shall  be  done  unto  you. 
P.   Herein  is  my  father  glorified,  that  ye 

bear  much  fruit ;  so  shall  ye  be  my  dis- 
ciples. 


LOVE    FOR    CHRIST.  79 

S.  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I 
loved  you ;  continue  ye  in  my  love. 

P.  If  ye  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall 
abide  in  my  love,  even  as  I  have  kept  my 
Father's  commandments,  and  abide  in 
his  love. 

S.  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that 
a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friend : 

P.  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever 
I  command  you. 

S.  A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you, 
that  ye  love  one  another ;  as  I  have  loved 
you,  that  ye  also  love  one  another. 

P.  By  tliis  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are 
my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  to  an- 
other. 

S.  He  that  loveth  his  brother  abideth  in 
the  light,  and  there  is  no  occasion  of 
stumbling  in  him. 

P.  He  that  hateth  his  brother  walketh  in 
darkness,  and  knoweth  not  whither  he 
goeth,  because  the  darkness  hath  blinded 
his  eyes. 

S.  God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in 
love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

P.  There  is  no  fear  in  love ;  but  perfect 
love  casteth  out  fear. 


80  LESSON    THIRTY-SECOND. 

S.  He  that  loveth  not  his  brother,  whom 

he    hath    seen,    how   can    he   love    God, 

whom  he  hath  not  seen? 
P.  And  this  commandment  have  we  from 

Him,  that  he  who  loveth  God,  love  his 

brother  also. 


THE    DIVINE    MISSION    OF    CHRIST.  81 


LESSON    XXXIII. 

THE    DIVINE    MISSION    OF    CHRIST. 

S.  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went 
up  straightway  out  of  the  water,  and  lo ! 
the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and 
he  saw  the  Sphit  of  God  descending  like 
a  dove,  and  lighting  upon  him. 

P.  And  lo !  a  voice  fi-om  heaven  saying, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased. 

S.  Art  thou  he  that  should  come,  or  do  we 
look  for  another? 

P.  The  blind  receive  their  sight,  and  the 
lame  walk ;  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and 
the  deaf  hear ;  the  dead  are  raised  up,  and 
the  poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to 
them ;  and  blessed  is  he  whosoever  shall 
not  be  offended  in  me. 

S.  Whom  say  ye  that  I  am  ? 

P.  Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God. 


82  LESSON    THIRTY-THIRD. 

S.  The  "Word  was  made  flesh  and  dwelt 
among  us,  and  we  beheld  his  glory ; 

P.  The  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of 
the  Father,  fuU  of  grace  and  truth. 

S.  The  Son  can  do  nothing  of  himself,  but 
what  he  seeth  the  Father  do ;  for  what- 
soever the  Father  doeth,  that  also  doeth 
the  Son  likewise. 

P.  For  the  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and 
showeth  him  aU  things  that  himself  do- 
eth. 

;S.  I  can  of  mine  own  self  do  nothing ;  as 
I  hear  I  judge  ;  and  my  judgment  is  just, 
because  I  seek  not  mine  own  will,  but 
the  will  of  the  Father  who  sent  me. 

P.  All  authority  is  given  unto  me  of  my 
Father. 

;S.  I  am  come  in  my  Father's  name.  The 
works  which  the  Father  hath  given  me 
to  finish,  the  same  works  that  I  do,  bear 
witness  of  me  that  the  Father  hath 
sent  me. 

P.  And  the  Father  himself  who  hath  sent 
me  hath  borne  witness  to  me. 

S.  I  came  down  from  heaven,  not  to  do 
mine  own  will,  but  the  will  of  EQm  that 
sent  me. 


THE    DIVINE    MISSION    OF    CHRIST.  83 

P.  And  this  is  the  will  of  Him  that  sent 
me,  that  every  one  who  seeth  the  Son 
and  believeth  on  him  may  have  ever- 
lasting life. 

S.  My  doctrine  is  not  mine,  but  His  who 
sent  me.  If  any  man  will  do  His  will, 
he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it 
be  of  God,  or  whether  I  speak  of  my- 
self. 

P.  He  that  seeketh  His  glory  that  sent  him, 
the  same  is  true,  and  no  unrighteousness 
is  in  him. 

S.  I  have  not  spoken  of  myself;  but  the 
Father  who  sent  me,  he  gave  me  a  com- 
mandment what  I  should  say,  and  what 
I  should  speak. 

P.  And  we  know  that  his  commandment 
is  life  everlasting. 

S.  Believe  me  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
and  the  Father  in  me ;  or  else  believe 
me  for  the  very  works'  sake. 

P.  He  that  believeth  on  me,  the  works  that 
I  do  shall  he  do  also ;  and  greater  works 
than  these  shall  he  do,  because  I  go  unto 
my  Father. 

S.  At  that  day  ye  shall  know  that  I  am 


84  LESSOIV    THIRTY-THIRD. 

jn  my  Father,  and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in 

you. 
P.  For  he  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of 

my  Father,  and  we  will  come  unto  him, 

and  make  our  abode  wdth  him. 
S.  These  are  wiitten  that  ye  might  believe 

that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 
P.  And  that,  believing,  ye  might  have  life 

through  his  name. 


OFFICES    OF    THE    SAVIOUR.  85 


LESSON    XXXIV. 

OFFICES    OF    THE    SAVIOUR. 

S.  Jesus  said,  I  am  the  bread  of  life ;  he 

that  Cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger, 

and  he  that  believeth  on  me  shall  never 

thirst. 
P.  The  bread  of  God  is  he  who  cometh 

down  and  giveth  life  unto  the  world. 
S.  To  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for  this 

cause    came   I   into    the   world,   that   I 

should  bear  witness  unto  the  truth. 
P.  I  am  come,  a  light  into  the  world,  that 

whosoever   believeth  on  me  should  not 

abide  in  darkness. 
S.  I  am  the  good  Shepherd,  that  giveth  his 

life  for  the  sheep. 
P.  I  am  the  good  Shepherd,  and  know  my 

sheep,  and  am  known  of  mine. 
S.  I  am  the  door  of  the  sheep.     By  me  if 

any  man  enter  in,  he  shall  be  saved ; 
P.  And    shall    go   in    and   out,   and   find 

pasture. 


86 


LESSON    THIRTY-FOURTH. 


S.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches. 
He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him, 
the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit;  for 
without  me  ye  can  do  nothing. 

P.  As  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  except 
it  abide  in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye  ex- 
cept ye  abide  in  me. 

S.  If  ye  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall 
abide  in  my  love,  even  as  I  have  kept 
my  Father's  commandments,  and  abide 
in  his  love. 

P.  This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love 
one  another,  as  I  have  loved  you. 

S.  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this, 
that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his 
friend. 

P.  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever 
I  command  you. 

S.  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he 
gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whoso- 
ever believeth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life. 

P.  For  God  sent  not  his  Son  into  the 
world  to  condemn  the  world,  but  that 
the  world  tln:ough  him  might  be  saved. 

S.  He  whom  God  hath  sent  speaketh  the 


OFFICES    OF    THE    SAVIOUR.  87 

words  of  God;  for  God  giveth  not  the 
Spii-it  by  measm-e  unto  him. 

P.  Tlie  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and  hath 
given  all  things  into  his  hands. 

S.  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation,  that  Jesus  Christ  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

P.  God  having  raised  up  his  Son  Jesus, 
sent  him  to  bless  us  in  tm'ning  away 
every  one  of  us  from  his  sins. 

S.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  for 
he  hath  visited  and  redeemed  his  people ; 
and  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salvation 
for  us,  in  the  house  of  his  servant 
David. 

P.  As  he  spake  by  the  mouth  of  his  holy 
prophets,  which  have  been  since  the  world 
began. 

S.  To  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto 
his  people,  by  the  remission  of  their  sins, 
through  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God, 
whereby  the  day-spring  from  on  high 
hath  visited  us. 

P.  To  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  dark- 
ness and  in  the  shadow  of  death;  to 
guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace. 


ft8  LESSON    THIRTY-FIFTH. 


LESSON     XXXV. 

PROMISES    OF    THE    GOSPEL. 

S.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit ; 

P.  For  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

S.  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn ; 

P.  For  they  shall  be  comforted. 

S.  Blessed  are  the  meek ; 

P.  For  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

S.  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and 

thirst  after  righteousness ; 
P.  For  they  shall  be  filled. 
S.  Blessed  are  the  merciful ; 
P.  For  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 
S.  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart ; 
P.  For  they  shaU  see  God. 
S.  Blessed  are  the  peacemakers ; 
P.  For  they  shall  be  called  the  childi'en  of 

God. 
S.  Whosoever  shall  confess  me  before  men, 

him  will  I  confess  before  my  Father  in 

heaven ; 


PROMISES    OF    THE    GOSPEL.  89 

P.  But  whosoever  shall  deny  me  before 
men,  him  will  I  also  deny  before  my  Fa- 
ther who  is  in  heaven. 

S.  My  sheep  hear  my  voice  and  follow  me, 
and  I  will  give  them  eternal  life ;  and 
they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any 
man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 

P.  My  Father  which  gave  them  me  is  great- 
er than  all,  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck 
them  out  of  my  Father's  hand. 

S.  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give 
you  another  Comforter; 

P.  Even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  that  he  may 
abide  ^vith  you  for  ever. 

S.  Peace  I  leave  with  you ;  my  peace  I  give 
unto  you. 

P.  Not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto 
you. 

S.  Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you.  If  a  man 
keep  my  saying,  he  shall  never  taste  of 
death. 

P.  Whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  on  me 
shall  never  die. 

S.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions.    I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 

P.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you, 

8* 


90  LESSON    THIRTY-FIFTH. 

I  will  come  again  and  receive  you  unto 
myself,  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be 
also. 

S.  The  hour  is  coming  in  the  wMch  all 
that  are  in  their  graves  shall  hear  the 
voice  of  the  Son  of  Man,  and  shall  come 
forth : 

P.  They  that  have  done  good,  unto  the 
resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have 
done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  con- 
demnation. 

S.  "When  the  Son  of  Man  shall  come  in 
his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with 
him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
his  glory,  and  before  him  shall  be  gath- 
ered all  nations ; 

P.  And  he  shall  separate  them  from  one 
another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep 
from  the  goats. 

S.  Then  shall  the  king  say  unto  them  on 
his  right  hand, 

P.  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world. 


CHRISTIAN    DISrOyiTIONS.  91 


LESSON     XXXVI. 

CHRISTIAN    DISPOSITIONS. 

S.  If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and 
there  rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath 
aught  against  thee,  leave  there  thy  gift 
before  the  altar,  and  go  thy  way ;  first  be 
reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and  then  come 
and  offer  thy  gift. 

P.  JNIercy  is  better  than  sacrifice ;  and  to 
love  our  neighbor  as  ourself  is  more  than 
all  whole  burnt-offerings  and  sacrifices. 

S.  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  enemies,  bless 
them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them 
that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
despitefully  use  you  and  persecute  you : 

P.  That  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your 
Father  in  heaven ;  for  he  maketh  his  sun 
to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and 
sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  un- 
just. 

S.  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me.  Lord, 


92 


LESSON    THIRTY-SIXTH. 


Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of 
my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

P.  Whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  my  Fa- 
ther which  is  in  heaven,  the  same  is  my 
brother,  and  sister,  and  mother. 

S.  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him 
deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and 
follow  me ; 

P.  For  whosoever  w^ill  save  his  life  shall 
lose  it ;  but  whosoever  shall  lose  his  life 
for  my  sake,  the  same  shall  save  it. 

S.  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain 
the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ? 

p.  What  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for 
his  soul  ? 

S.  If  any  man  desire  to  be  first,  let  him  be 
last  of  all,  and  servant  of  all ; 

P.  Even  as  the  Son  of  Man  came  not  to 
be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister. 

S.  Whosoever  shall  receive  a  little  child  in 
my  name,  receiveth  me ; 

P.  And  whosoever  receiveth  me,  receiveth 
Him  that  sent  me. 

S.  There  is  no  man  that  hath  left  house,  or 
brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother, 


CHRISTIAN    DISPOSITIONS.  93 

or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for  my  sake 
and  the  gospel's,  but  he  shall  receive  an 
hundred-fold  now  in  this  time ; 

P.  And  in  the  world  to  come,  life  ever- 
lasting. 

S.  Provide  for  yourselves  treasures  in  the 
heavens,  where  no  thief  approacheth, 
neither  moth  corrupteth ; 

P.  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will 
your  heart  be  also. 

S.  Whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I 
shall  give  him,  shedl  never  thirst ; 

P.  But  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall 
be  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing  up 
to  everlasting  life. 


94  LESSON    THIRTY-SEVENTH. 


LESSON    XXXVII. 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF    A    YOUNG    CHILD. 

8.  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  wdll  give  you 
rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and 
learn  of  me ;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly 
in  heart,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your 
souls : 

P.  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  biu'den  is 
light. 

S.  Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concern- 
ing the  fiery  trial  which  is  to  try  you, 
as  though  some  strange  thing  had  hap- 
pened vinto  you  ; 

P.  But  rejoice,  inasmuch  as  ye  are  partak- 
ers of  Christ's  sufferings. 

S.  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days 
of  thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come 
not,  nor  the  years  draw  nigh  when  thou 
shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasm-e  in  them. 

P.  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth 


ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  YOUNG  CHILD.   95 

as  it  was,  and  the  spirit  shall  return 
unto  God  who  gave  it. 

S.  Then  were  brought  unto  him  little  chil- 
dren, that  he  should  put  his  hands  on 
them,  and  pray  ;  and  the  disciples  re- 
buked them. 

P.  But  Jesus  said.  Suffer  little  children  to 
come  vmto  me,  and  forbid  them  nol^ 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
And  he  took  themi  up  in  his  arms  and 
blessed  them. 

S.  Take  heed,  that  ye  despise  not  one  of 
these  little  ones ; 

P.  For  I  say  unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their 
angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  my 
Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

S.  Is  it  well  with  the  child? 

P.  It  is  well. 

S.  Be  ye  therefore  followers  of  God  as  dear 
children; 

P.  Obey  your  parents  in  all  things ;  for  this 
is  well  pleasing  unto  the  Lord. 

S.  For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  to  their 
prayers  ; 

P.  And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord 


96  LESSON    THIRTY-SEVENTH. 

of  hosts,  in  the  day  when  I  make  up 
my  jewels. 

S.  Peace  I  leave  with  you ;  my  peace  I 
give  unto  you. 

P.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions. The  small  and  the  great  are 
there.      And  God   shall  wipe  away  all 

•  tears  from  then  eyes. 


DEATH  OF  A  TEACHER  OR  SCHOLAR.   97 


LESSON    XXXVIII. 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  TEACHER  OR  ELDER 
SCHOLAR. 

;S.  My  son,  despise  not  thou  the  chastening 
of  the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou  art 
rebuked  of  him ; 

P.  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasten- 
eth,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom  he 
receiveth. 

S.  Our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  out  for  us  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 

P.  While  we  look  not  at  the  things  which 
are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not 
seen ; 

S.  For  the  things  which  are  seen  are  tem- 
poral, but  the  things  Avhich  are  not  seen 
are  eternal. 

P.  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  which  shall  be  re- 
vealed in  us. 

9 


98  LESSON    THIRTY-EIGHTH. 

S.  For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  life 
nor  death ;  nor  angels,  nor  principalities, 
nor  powers  ;  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come  ; 

P.  Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us 
from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

S.  I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life : 

P.  He  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he 
were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live;  and  whoso- 
ever liveth  and  believeth  in  me,  shall 
never  die. 

S.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions ;  if  it  were  not  so,  would  have 
told  you :  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for 
you; 

P.  And  if  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you, 
I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto 
myself,  that  where  I  am  there  ye  may 
be  also. 

S.  Behold,  the  tabernacle  of  God  is  with 
men; 

P.  And  he  will  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes,  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
death,  neither  sorrow  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain. 


DEATH  OF  A  TEACHER  OR  SCHOLAR.   99 

S.  This  coiTuptible  must  put  on  incorrup- 
tion,  and  this  mortal,  immortality : 

P.  Then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  this 
saying  that  is  written,  Death  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory. 

S.  O  Death,  where  is  thy  sting  ? 

P.  O  Grave,  where  is  thy  victory? 

S.  Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the 
victory, 

P.  Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


100  LESSON    THIRTY-NINTH. 


LESSON    XXXIX. 

FOR    A    RURAL    CELEBRATION. 

S.  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ; 
and  the  firmament  showeth  his  handi- 
work. 

P.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night 
unto  night  showeth  knowledge. 

S.  The  day  is  thine,  O  God;  the  night 
also  is  thine. 

P.  Thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  to  rejoice. 

S.  The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  and 
thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  sea- 
son. 

P.  Thou  satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living 
thing. 

S.  Thou  hast  established  the  borders  of  the 
earth ;  thou  hast  made  winter  and  sum- 
mer. 

P.  "While,  the  earth  rcmaineth,  seed-time 
and  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  sum- 


FOR    A    RURAL    CELEBRATION.  101 

mer  and  winter,  and  day  and  night,  shall 
not  cease. 

<S.  Thou  crownest  the  year  wdth  thy  good- 
ness, and  thy  paths  drop  fatness. 

P.  They  drop  upon  the  pastures  of  the  wil- 
derness, and  the  little  hills  rejoice  on 
every  side. 

S.  The  pastures  are  clothed  with  flocks ;  the 
valleys  also  are  covered  over  with  corn. 

P.  They  shout  for  joy ;  they  also  sing. 

S.  Thou  visitest  the  earth  and  waterest  it. 

P.  Thou  makest  it  soft  with  showers ;  thou 
blessest  the  springing  thereof. 

S.  Behold,  the  sons  of  men  go  forth  to  their 
labor,  and  the  field  yieldeth  food  for  them 
and  their  children. 

P.  They  reap  every  one  his  corn  from  the 
field ;  they  gather  every  one  his  vintage 
from  the  vineyard. 

S.  Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air:  for  they 
sow  not,  neither  do  they  reap ;  yet  your 
Heavenly  Father  feedeth  them. 

P.  He  giveth  to  the  beast  his  food,  and  to 
the  young  ravens  which  cry. 

S.  He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the 
cattle,  and  herb  for  the  service  of  man 

9* 


102  LESSON    THIRTY-NINTH. 

P.  He  sendeth  the  springs  into  the  valleys, 

which  run  among  the  hills. 
S.  The  mountains  and  the  hills  break  forth 

into  singing ; 
P.  And  all  the  trees  of  the  field  clap  their 

hands. 
S.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works  I 

in  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all. 
P.    Who    coverest    thyself  with    light   as 

with    a    garment ;    who    stretchest    out 

the  heavens  like  a  curtain. 
S.    The  earth  is  full  of  the   goodness   of 

the  Lord ; 
P.    And  his   tender   mercies   are   over   all 

his  works. 
S.  Bless  the    Lord,  O  our  souls !  and  aU 

that  is  within  us  bless  his  holy  name. 
P.  We  will  bless   thee,  O   Lord,  as  long 

as  we   live;   we  will  give  praises  unto 

our  God  while  we  have  any  being. 


FOR  AN  ANNIVERSARY  CELEBRATION.   103 


LESSON  XL. 

FOR  AN  ANNIVERSARY  CELEBRATION. 

S.  Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place 

in  all  generations. 
P.  From    everlasting   to    everlasting,  thou 

art   God. 
S.  A  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but 

as  yesterday  when  it  is  past. 
P.  We  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is 

told. 
S.  Thou  hast  determined  the  times  before 

appointed,  and  the  bounds  of  our  habi- 
tation. 
P.  All  our  times  are  in  thy  hand. 
S.  We  have  loved  the   habitation  of  thy 

house,  and  the  place  where  thine  honor 

dweUeth. 
P.  A  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a 

thousand. 
S.  One  thing  have  we  desh-ed  of  the  Lord, 

that  we  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the 

Lord  all  the  days  of  our  lives ; 


L04  LESSON    FORTIETH. 

P.  To  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and 

to  inquh'e  in  his  temple. 
S.  Teach  us  thy  ways,  O  Lord ;  show  us 

thy  paths. 
P.  Help  us  to  walk  in  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mandments. 
S.  Blessed  are  they  that  hear  the  word  of 

God,  and  keep  it. 
P.  Blessed  is  the  man  whose  God  is  the 

Lord. 
S.  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 

me,  said  the  Saviour,  for  of  such  is  the 

kingdom  of  Heaven. 
P.  Whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  king- 
dom of  God  as  a  little  child,  shall   not 

enter  therein. 
S.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  th-^t 

call  upon  him. 
P.  His    tender    mercies    are    over    all    his 

works. 
S.  Let  us  rejoice  in  the  Lord  who  hatb 

made  us. 
P.  Let  us  be  joyful  in  God  our  King. 
S.  We  will  come  into   his  presence  with 

thanksgiving, 
P.  We  will  declare  his  praise  among  the 

congregation. 


FOR  AN  ANNIVERSARY  CELEBRATION.   105 

S.  O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord,  for 

his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 

men! 
P.    For  the   Lord   is    good,    his    mercy  is 

everlasting,    and    his   truth    endureth   to 

all  generations. 
<S.  Praise  ye  the   Lord,  both  young  men 

and  maidens,  old  men  and  children ; 
r.  Let  everything  that  hath  breath  praise 

the  Lord  : 
S.  For  he  hath  raised  up  his  son  Jesus  to 

be  a  Sav'.our  for  us ; 
P.  To  tm-n  om-  footsteps  from  the  path  of 

evU,  and  reconcile  our  souls  to  God. 
S.  We  will  trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  our 

hearts ; 
P.  And  love  him  with  all  our  strength. 
S.  May  the  word   of   Chi'ist   dwell  in   U3 

richly  in  all  wisdom ; 
P,  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth 

understanding,   rule    in    all    our    hearts, 

bene* forth  and  for  ever. 


106  LESSON    FORTY-FIRST. 


LESSON    XLI. 

FOR    CHRISTMAS. 

<!>'.  And  Joseph  went  up  from  Galilee,  out 
of  the  city  of  Nazareth,  into  Judaea,  unto 
the  city  of  David,  which  is  called  BetK 
lehem,  with  Mary  his  espoused  wife. 

P.  And  she  there  brought  forth  her  first 
born  son,  and  wrapped  him  in  swaddling- 
clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a  manger,  be- 
cause there  was  no  room  for  them  in 
the  inn. 

S.  And  there  were  in  the  same  country 
shepherds  abiding  in  the  field,  keeping 
watch  over  their  flock  by  night; 

P.  And  lo!  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came 
upon  them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
shone  round  about  them,  and  they  were 
sore  afraid. 

S.  And  the  angel  said  unto  them.  Fear 
not ;  for  behold  I  bring  you  good  tidings 
of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people ; 


FOR    CHRISTMAS.  107 

P.  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the 
city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  who  is  Christ 
the  Lord. 

S.  And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you :  ye 
shall  find  the  babe  wrapped  in  swaddling- 
clothes,  lying  in  a  manger.  And  sud- 
denly there  was  with  the  angel  a  multi- 
tude of  the  heavenly  host,  praising  God 
and  saying, 

P.  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
earth  peace,  good-will  toward  men ! 

S.  Now,  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem 
of  Judeea,  in  the  days  of  Herod  the  Idng, 
behold  there  came  wise  men  from  the 
east  to  Jerusalem,  saying : 

P.  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the 
Jews;  for  we  have  seen  his  star  in  the 
east,  and  are  come  to  worship  him  ? 

S.  And  Herod  gathered  all  the  chief  priests 
and  scribes  of  the  people  together,  and 
demanded  of  them  where  Christ  should 
be  born ; 

P.  And  they  said  unto  him.  In  Bethlehem 
of  Judaea;  for  thus  it  is  written  by  the 
Prophet,  And  thou,  Bethlehem,  art  not 
the  least  among  the  princes  of  Judah,  for 


108  LESSON    FORTY-FIRST. 

out  of  thee  shall  come  a  Governor,  that 
shall  rule  my  people  Israel. 

S.  And  when  the  wise  men  departed,  lo! 
the  star  which  they  saw  in  the  east  went 
before  them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over 
where  the  young  cluld  was.  And  when 
they  saw  the  star,  they  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  great  joy; 

P.  And  they  opened  their  treasures,  and 
presented  unto  him  gifts,  gold  and  frank- 
incense and  myrrh. 

S.  And  when  the  parents  brought  the  child 
Jesus  into  the  temple,  a  just  and  devout 
man  named  Simeon  took  him  in  his  arms, 
and  said : 

P.  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  de- 
part in  peace,  according  to  thy  word ; 

S.  For  mine  eyes  have  seen  the  salvation 
which  thou  hast  prepared  before  the  face 
of  all  thy  people : 

P.  A  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the 
glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 


CLOSE    OF    THE    YEAR.  109 


LESSON   XLII. 


CLOSE    OF    THE    YEAR. 

S.  Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place 
in  all  generations.  Before  the  moun- 
tains were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou 
hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou 
art  God. 

P,  For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are 
but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as 
a  watch  in  the  night. 

S.  The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore 
years  and  ten ;  and  if  by  reason  of 
strength  they  be  fourscore  years,  yet  is 
their  strength  labor  and  sorrow,  for  it  is 
soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 

P.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we 
may  apply  om-  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

S.  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and 
the  measure  of  my  days,  that  I  may 
Ivnow  how  frail  I  am. 

P.  Hear  my  prayer,  O  God,  and  give  ear 
If) 


110  LESSON    FORTY-SECOND. 

unto  my  cry ;  for  I  am  a  stranger  with 
thee,  and  a  sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers 
were. 

S.  What  man  is  he  that  liveth  and  shall 
not  see  death  ?  Shall  he  deliver  his 
soul  from  the  hand  of  the  gi-ave  ? 

P.  He  knoweth  om-  frame,  he  remembereth 
that  we  are  dust. 

S.  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass ;  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth ;  for 
the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone, 
and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no 
more. 

P.  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  them  that 
fear  him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  chil- 
dren's children. 

S.  I  will  remember  thy  works ;  siuely  I  will 
remember  thy  wonders  of  old. 

P.  I  will  meditate  also  of  all  thy  works, 
and  tallc  of  thy  doings. 

S.  Thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the 
morning  and  the  evening  to  rejoice. 
Thou  visitest  the  earth,  and  greatly  en- 
richest  it  with  the  river  of  God,  which 
is  full  of  water. 


CLOSF    OF    THE    YEAR.  Ill 

P.  Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  good- 
ness, and  thy  paths  drop  fatness. 

S.  I  mil  sing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I 
live ;  I  will  sing  praise  to  my  God  while 
I  have  my  being. 

P.  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet; 
I  will  be  glad  in  the  Lord. 

S.  O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for 
his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works 
to  the  children  of  men ! 

P.  For  his  merciful  kindness  is  great  to- 
wards us  ;  and  the  truth  of  the  Lord 
endureth  for  ever. 


112  LESSON    FORTY-THIRD. 


LESSON    XLIII. 

NEW    YEAR. 

S.  Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they 

labor  in  vain  that  build  it. 
P.  Except  the    Lord    keep    the   city,    the 

watchman  waketh  but  in  vain. 
S.  Go  to  now,  ye  that  say,  To-day  or  to- 

moiTow  we  will  go  into  such  a  city,  and 

continue  there  a  year,  and  buy,  and  sell, 

and  get  gain.     Whereas,  ye  know  not 

what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.     For  what 

is  your  life  ? 
P.  It  is  even  a  vapor,  that  appeareth  for  a 

little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 
S.  I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills, 

from  whence  cometh  my  help. 
P.  My  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  who 

made  heaven  and  earth. 
S.  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved. 

He  that  keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber. 
P.  Behold,   he    that   keepeth    Israel    shall 

neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 


NEW    YEAR.  113 

tS.  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper.     The  sun  shall 

not  smite  thee  by  day  nor  the  moon  by 

night. 
P.  The  Lord  shall  preserve  thy  going  out 

and  thy  coming  in  from  this  time  forth, 

and  even  for  evermore. 
S.  I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my  refuge 

and  my  fortress,  my  God,  in  him  will  I 

tl'USt. 

P.  He  shall  cover  thee  ^vith  his  feathers, 

and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  trust ;  his 

truth  shall  be  thy  shield  and  buckler. 
S.  Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord  which 

is  my  refuge,  even  the  Most  High,  thy 

habitation ; 
P.  There  shall  no  evil  befall  thee,  neither 

shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling. 
S.  Some   trust    in   chariots,  and    some  in 

horses ; 
P.  But  we   will   remember  the   name   of 

the  Lord  our  God. 
S.  Watch,  for  ye  know  not  what  hour  your 

Ijord  doth  come. 
P.  Therefore,  be  ye  ready ;  for  in  such  an 

hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of   Man 

cometh. 

.0* 


114  LESSON    FORTY-THIRD. 

S.  But  of  the  times  and  season,  brethren, 
ye  have  no  need  that  I  write  unto  you. 

P.  For  yourselves  know  perfectly  that  the 
day  of  the  Lord  so  cometh  as  a  thief  in 
the  night. 

S.  But  ye,  brethren,  are  not  in  darkness, 
that  that  day  should  overtake  you  as  a 
thief. 

P.  Therefore  let  us  watch  and  be  sober, 
putting  on  the  breastplate  of  faith  and 
love,  and  for  an  helmet  the  hope  of  sal- 
vation. 

S.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to 
wrath,  but  to  obtain  salvation  by  our 
Lord  Jesus   Christ. 

P.  Who  died  for  us,  that  whether  we  wake 
or  sl';ep  we  should  live  together  with 
him. 


Pit  AYE  RS 


I. 


FOR    THE    TRUE    SPIRIT    OF    WORSHIP. 

Almighty  God  !  Father  of  all  spirits ! 
Thou  needest  nothing  of  men's  hands, 
Seeing  thou  givest  life  and  breath  to  all. 
We  rejoice  that,  as  we  need  so  much  from  thee, 
From  a  lowly  heart  thou  wilt  not  turn  away. 

While,  at  this  holy  hour,  we  bow  before  thee, 
May  thy  presence  be  felt  by  our  souls. 
May  our  hearts  say,  God  is  in  this  place. 
Open  the  eyes  of  our  minds,  that  we  may  see  thee. 
Open  our  hearts,  that  thy  love  may  enter. 
Come  and  make  thy  dwelling  within  us ; 
Nourish  us  with  rich  and  heavenly  thoughts ; 
Fill  us  with  gentle  and  sweet  affections : 
May  our  worship  be  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

O  Thou,  who  art  the  Giver  of  all  good, 


118 


PRAYERS. 


In  thanks  beyond  what  words  can  utter 

Would  we  pour  out  our  souls  before  thee. 

The  homes  sheltered  by  thy  wings, 

The  ties  that  bind  us  to  dear  friends, 

The  fair  world  thy  hand  hath  made, 

A  soul  of  more  value  than  the  whole  world, 

Jesus,  the  Helper  and  Saviour  of  souls,  — 

Father,  these  are  thy  gifts. 

Take  what  thy  children  now  bring  to  thee,  — 

The  offering  of  gratitude,  and  love,  and  trust. 

Nor  let  our  Avorship  cease  with  words : 
May  our  whole  life  be  a  thank-offering ; 
May  our  cheerful  duty  be  to  thee  as  sacrifice ; 
May  submission  and  trust  rise  to  thee  as  praise  • 
And  when  the  service  of  life  is  ended, 
May  we  give  thee  diviner  worship  in  heaven. 

Amea 


PRAYERS.  119 


II. 

THAT    WE    MAY    SEE    GOD    IN    HIS    WORKS 

Almighty  God,  great  Creator  of  all, 
Thy  children  bow  before  thy  throne : 
Though  we  see  thee  not  with  the  eye, 
And  hear  thee  not  with  the  ear, 
Thou  teachest  us  by  thy  spirit, 
And  through  all  thy  works, 
And  by  the  life  of  Jesus  Christ, 
That  thou  art  nigh  to  them  that  call  upon  thee ; 
That  thou  art  the  rewarder 
Of  all  them  that  diligently  seek  thee. 

May  we  see  thee  in  all  thy  works ! 
The  flowers  of  the  field,  the  birds  of  heaven. 
The  sun,  moon,  and  stars  of  the  firmament,  — 
All  are  thy  handiwork,  and  declare  thee  good. 
The  dark  silence  of  the  night, 
And  the  bright  gladness  of  the  day, 
Continually  show  forth  thy  love. 


120  PRAYERS. 

In  wisdom  hast  thou  made  the  world : 
The  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 

O  God,  we  bless  thee  for  thy  providential  love : 
To  thee  are  we  indebted  for  our  happy  homes ; 
The  counsels  of  a  father,  the  smiles  of  a  mother, 
The  ties  of  brotherly  and  sisterly  love,  — 
All  these  are  thy  precious  gift ; 
Amid  our  unthankfulness  thou  hast  not  forgot- 
ten us. 
Thou  hast  borne  with  our  sins, 
And  invited  us  to  repentance ; 
Thou  hast  sent  thy  dearly  beloved  Son, 
To  call  us  home  to  heaven  and  to  thee. 

For  all  thy  manifold  mercies. 
We  would  worship  thee  with  our  praises, 
We  would  serve  thee  with  our  hearts ; 
And  when  eternity  shall  open  to  us, 
May  we  enter  thy  nearer  presence. 
To  live  with  thee  for  evermore !     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  121 


III. 

THANKS    FOR    THE    ENJOYMENTS    OF    LIFE. 

Great  and  good  Father  in  heaven ! 
We  adore  thy  bountiful  providence. 
From  the  stores  of  thy  unfaihng  love 
We  see  thee  blessing  all  thy  creatures : 
Beast,  bird,  insect,  all  wait  upon  thee : 
Thou  openest  thine  hand,  and  they  are  fed. 
The  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.  • 

We  thank  thee,  that,  through  thy  goodness, 
The  lines  have  fallen  to  us  in  pleasant  places, 
And  we  have  a  goodly  heritage. 
We  thank  thee  for  our  happy  homes ; 
For  our  parents,  teachers,  and  friends ; 
For  healthful  bodies  and  cheerful  spirits ; 
For  the  fair  world  in  which  we  live ; 
For  the  innocent  delights  which  attend  our  path ; 
For  the  fond  hopes  which  invite  us  on ; 
For  what  past  ages  have  given  us, 
11 


122  PRAYERS. 

Through  the  labors  and  prayers  of  faithful  men ', 
For  minds  capable  of  holding  communion  with 

thee, 
Through  the  power  of  heavenly  truth  and  love ; 
For  souls  that  may  attain  to  eternal  life, 
Through  the  grace  that  is  in  Jesus  Christ. 

O  Blessed  and  Bountiful  Father  ! 
Thy  gifts  are  more  than  we  can  number. 
Our  tongues  shall  praise  thee  with  joyful  words ; 
Our  hearts  shall  love  thee  more  than  words  can 

tell. 
All  glory  be  to  thee,  the  Father  everlasting ! 
"We  praise  thee,  we  worship  thee ; 
Day  by  day  we  magnify  thy  holy  name. 
With  saints  and  angels,  we  adore  thee : 
"We  thank  thee  that  out  of  the  mouths  of  children 
Thou  hast  accepted  praise. 

0  God !  add  this  to  thy  other  gifts,  — 
The  gift  of  a  more  grateful  heart. 
Let  thy  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance : 
The  spirit  of  thine  own  free  bounty 
May  we  ourselves  show  to  others. 
Save  us  from  all  selfish  thoughts : 


PRAYERS.  123 

Give  us  enlarged  and  generous  affections : 
Let  the  love  of  God  be  diffused  through  the  world, 
And  peace  and  joy  fill  the  whole  earth. 
And  to  thee,  through  Jesus,  shall  be  the  glory. 

Amen. 


124  PRAYERS. 


IV. 

THANKS    FOR    THE    SAVIOUR. 

Almighty  God,  who  art  light  and  love, 
Who  dwellest  in  light  continually, 
We  adore  thee,  that  m  thy  fatherly  goodness 
Thou  hast  looked  down  upon  our  sins  and  weak- 
ness, 
And  hast  sent  to  us  Jesus  Christ, 
To  be  our  Teacher,  Lord,  and  Saviour. 

We  desire  to  utter  our  thanks  to  thee 
For  the  innocence  of  his  childhood  ; 
For  his  obedience  to  his  parents  ; 
For  his  devotion  to  thee  through  all  his  years. 
We  thank  thee  that  he  pitied  the  poor ; 
That  he  healed  the  lame  and  the  blind ; 
That  he  relieved  the  sick  ; 
That  he  went  about  doing  good. 
We  thank  thee  for  his  compassion  to  the  erring ; 
For  his  labors  to  save  men  from  their  sins : 


PRAYERS.  125 

For  the  excellence  of  his  life 
And  the  power  of  his  death  we  bless  thee. 
For  his  willingness  to  suffer  for  our  good, 
That  he  even  laid  down  his  life  for  our  sakes. 

And  now  we  humbly  beseech  thee 
That  we  may  become  his  true  disciples. 
"We  would  be  lowly,  gentle,  obedient ; 
We  would  be  truthful  and  faithful ; 
We  would  be  willing  to  labor  and  suffer  for  others. 
Help  us,  O  God,  in  our  early  years 
To  consecrate  ourselves  to  thee. 
Give  to  us  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
That,  when  this  mortal  life  is  ended. 
We  shall  be  received  to  the  presence  of  our  Saviour, 
And  to  thine  eternal  favor.     Amen. 


ir 


126  PRAYERS. 


V. 


THANKS    FOR    CHRISTIAN    PRIVILEGES. 

We  bow  before  thee,  Almighty  Father, 
With  our  lowly  but  hearty  thanks  ; 
For  all  the  blessings  of  our  earthly  lot ; 
Especially  for  this  unspeakable  gift, 
That  our  birth  was  in  a  Christian  land. 

0  God,  blessed  be  thy  holy  name. 
That  thou  didst  send  the  Sun  of  Righteousness, 
With  liealing  in  his  beams. 
Thanks  for  the  new  morn  that  hath  risen  on  the 

world ; 
For  the  justice  and  right  which  guard  the  state ; 
For  the  purity  and  peace  which  bless  our  homes- 
Thanks  for  thy  Sabbath,  —  type  of  heavenly  rest ; 
Thanks  for  the  Gospel,  —  bread  of  eternal  life ; 
Thanks  for  that  new  interest  in  childhood 
Awakened  by  Him  who  turned  the  hearts 
Of  children  to  their  parents, 


PRAYERS.  127 

And  of  parents  to  their  children  ; 
Thanks  for  the  new  meaning  to  hfe 
Given  by  Him  who  revealed  life's  end  ; 
Thanks  for  that  life  and  immortality 
"Which  are  brought  to  light  in  the  Gospel. 

O  Father,  these  blessings  we  owe 
To  thy  rich  love  in  Jesus  Christ. 
"We  praise  thee  for  him,  the  Saviour  of  souls  ; 
"We  thank  thee  that  we  may  call  him  dear  and 

precious. 
May  we  love  him  as  coming  from  the  bosom  of 

the  Father ; 
May  we  give  to  him  our  young  and  fresh  hearts ; 
May  he  have  heathen  lands  for  his  inheritance. 
The  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession, 
Till  all  flesh  shall  see  his  salvation : 
And  to  thy  holy  name  be  the  glory.     Amen. 


128  PRAYERS. 


VI. 

THANKS    FOR    RELIGIOUS    INSTRUCTION. 

Father  of  all  the  children  of  men  ! 
Though  dwelling  in  the  high  and  loftj  place, 
Thou  art  with  them  also  of  a  lowly  heart. 
"We  thank  thee  that  to  our  humble  prayer 
Thou  wilt  turn  a  listening  ear. 
Thou  lovest  them  that  love  thee  : 
Those  that  seek  thee  early  shall  find  thee. 

We  praise  thee  that  we  have  been  taught  of  God. 
"We  thank  thee  that  the  Sabbath  morning 
Gathers  us  together  in  this  sacred  place, 
"With  cheerful  faces  and  joyful  hearts, 
Amid  words  of  prayer  and  songs  of  praise. 
To  receive  instruction  from  thy  Truth, 
To  sit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
To  learn  the  way  of  eternal  life. 

0  God,  how  good  hast  thou  been  to  us, 
In  sending  thy  Son  to  save  us ; 


PRAYERS.  129 

In  handing  down  to  us  thy  Word  of  truth  ; 
In  appointing  for  our  use  this  sacred  day ; 
In  providing  for  us  pastors  and  teachers ; 
In  giving  us  these  ties  of  love, 
That  bind  us  to  one  another  and  to  thee  ! 

0  Father,  we  cannot  speak  our  thanks  ! 
Thou  knowest  the  feelings  of  our  hearts. 
May  we  prove  the  sincerity  of  our  gratitude 
By  the  use  we  make  of  thy  gifts. 
To  us  may  the  hours  of  this  day  be  holy ; 
To  us  may  thy  word  be  precious. 
Here  may  we  listen  to  the  voice  of  instruction ; 
Here  may  we  feel  the  presence  of  Jesus  ; 
And,  cherishing  his  words  and  spirit  in  our  hearts, 
May  we  be  fitted  for  life's  coming  scenes. 
For  duties  in  which  we  shall  need  thy  light, 
For  trials  in  which  we  shall  need  thy  strength. 

O  God,  we  cannot  think  of  our  blessings 
Without  remembering  those  who  know  them  not. 
To  how  many  the  light  of  this  holy  day 
Brings  none  of  the  lessons,  enjoyments,  and  hopes 
Which  make  it  so  dear  to  us. 
To  the  dark  places  of  the  earth, 


130  PRAYERS. 

To  distant  lands  and  heathen  isles, 
Send  the  light  of  thy  glorious  word. 
Give  us  a  heart  to  diffuse  its  joy. 
Let  the  earth  be  filled  with  thy  glory, 
And  all  thy  children  share  thy  salvation. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  131 

VII. 

ON  A  BEAUTIFUL  SUNDAY  MORNING. 

Great  and  good  Father  in  heaven, 
Thine  is  the  beauty  of  this  fair  day. 
Thy  Spirit,  which  in  the  beginning 
Moved  on  the  face  of  tliy  works. 
Still  broods  over  earth,  sea,  and  sky, — 
The  spirit  of  peace  and  of  love. 

From  our  happy  homes  we  come, 
Here  to  utter  forth  thy  px-aise. 
The  bright  light  of  thy  sun. 
The  pure  air  we  breathe. 
The  lilies  of  the  field, 
The  birds  of  the  air. 
The  order  and  bounty  of  thy  universe, 
All  pay  their  silent  worship- 
Through  us  may  they  find  a  voice : 
We  would  utter  our  and  their  praise. 
With  children  of  unnumbered  Sunday  schools, 


132  PRAYERS. 

With  gathered  multitudes  in  all  lands, 
Encompassing  the  world  with  anthems  of  joy, 
"Would  we  bring  our  young  voices  and  glad  hearts. 

Father,  thou  hast  made  this  world  beautiful ; 
But  thou  hast  a  world  of  fairer  beauty 
For  all  them  that  love  thee. 
There  is  no  night  there  ; 
No  sickness,  sorrowing,  nor  death. 
In  thy  time  may  we  there  be  received. 
May  we  here  cherish  pure  affections, 
There  to  fill  our  hearts  for  ever ; 
May  we  here  delight  in  thy  worship. 
There  to  be  our  joy  for  ages  without  end. 
We  ask  it  in  the  name  of  our  dear  Saviour. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  133 


VIII. 

FOR    A    GOOD    IMPROVEMENT    OF    BLESSINGS. 

O  God,  the  Giver  of  all  good ! 
"We  have  nothing  that  is  not  thine. 
May  we  look  upon  the  blessings  in  our  hands 
As  talents  committed  to  our  trust. 

We  pray  that  upon  all  thy  gifts 
We  may  see  written  thy  holy  will. 
May  the  light  of  day  caU  to  thy  service  ; 
May  night's  darkness  tell  us  of  thy  care  ; 
May  our  strength  be  strength  to  do  good ; 
May  glad  spirits  be  rejoicing  in  God  ; 
May  books  and  teachers  prove  our  willingness  to 
learn ; 

May  time  be  valued  as  a  sacred  trust ; 
May  the  love  we  cherish  for  earthly  friends 
Lead  us  to  thee,  who  art  Love  itself; 
May  the  fair  world  in  which  we  live 
Be  a  prophecy  of  a  fairer  world  to  come. 
12 


134  PRAYERS. 

Thus,  0  God,  even  in  our  early  years, 
May  we  be  thoughtful,  wise,  and  dutiful. 
Save  us  from  the  haste  which  never  thinks, 
And  from  that  mirthfulness  which  knows  no  serious 

care. 
Teach  us  by  thy  holy  child  Jesus 
To  be  about  our  Father's  business  ; 
And  while  we  rejoice  in  our  youth. 
And  our  hearts  cheer  us  in  the  days  of  our  yout^J, 
May  we  know  that  for  all  things 
God  will  bring  us  into  judgment. 

Father  Almighty,  for  that  solemn  hour 
May  we,  through  thy  grace,  be  prepared ; 
And,  found  faithful  over  a  few  things, 
May  we  be  rulers  over  many  things. 
To  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  135 


IX. 


FOR    A    RIGHT    TEMPER. 


Almighty  and  ever  blessed  God, 
TTe  worship  thee,  who  art  supremely  good. 
Thy  dealings  with  us  all  are  kind, 
And  thy  commandments  all  are  wise. 
May  we  be  submissive  to  thy  will. 
If  our  days  are  spent  in  peace, 
It  is  because  thou  lovest  us  ; 
And  if  in  trouble  and  in  want. 
Still  we  beheve  thou  lovest  us. 
We  know  that  when  we  do  well, 
Thou  rewardest  us  with  joy ; 
And  when  we  have  done  evil, 
Thou  callest  us  back  to  goodness  and  to  thee. 

We  pray  thee  to  strengthen  our  hearts  : 
Never  may  we  sin  against  thy  goodness. 
INIay  we  be  kind  to  one  another, 
Obedient  to  our  parents, 


136    •  PRAYERS. 

Respectful  to  the  aged  and  the  wise, 

Compassionate  to  the  suffering, 

Showing  honor  even  to  the  humblest : 

May  we  be  peaceful,  meek,  and  gentle. 

Fill  thou  our  hearts  with  love  ; 

May  the  God  of  peace  and  love  dwell  with  us. 

And  when,  at  last,  we  pass  the  hour  of  death, 
May  we  be  received  to  Christ  our  Redeemer, 
To  the  companionship  of  the  good. 
And  to  thine  ever-blessed  service.    Amen. 


PRAYERS.  137 


X. 


FOR    GENTLENESS    AND    KINDNESS. 

O  Holt  Father !  Eternal  iGod ! 
We  thy  children  bow  before  thee  ; 
Up  to  thy  throne  would  we  lift 
The  prayer  of  our  youthful  hearts. 

We  come  to  ask  of  thee,  O  God, 
That  wisdom  which  is  pure  and  gentle  : 
We  implore  that  fruit  of  the  Spirit 
Which  is  gentleness  and  goodness. 
Help  us  to  have  control  over  ourselves ; 
Help  us  to  put  on  meekness  and  gentleness. 
In  the  animation  of  youthful  spirits, 
In  our  intercourse  with  our  parents  and  friends, 
In  calls  to  resign  our  favorite  plans, 
In  the  provocations  of  impatience  and  anger. 
May  we  leam  the  gentleness  of  Christ, 
And  be  ourselves  clothed  with  his  heavenly  spirit. 

12* 


138  PRAYER8. 

Father,  we  would  not  trust  ourselves. 
We  remember  that  we  have  been  hasty  and  rash : 
Forgive  this  sin,  and  all  our  offences. 
For  our  help  we  fly  to  thee  ; 
Let  thoughts  of  thy  presence  restrain  us ; 
May  the  gentle  and  meek  Jesus  help  us. 
O  that  kindness  and  love  may  rule  in  our  hearts  ! 
Give  us,  amid  the  strifes  of  a  rude  world. 
The  gentle  spirit  that  overcomes  the  mighty, 
The  gentle  words  that  turn  away  wrath. 

0  Father,  our  Lord  and  God  for  ever  ! 
This  is  the  spirit  in  which  we  would  live  ; 
In  this  spirit  would  we  die. 
And  wilt  thou,  the  God  of  gentleness  and  love. 
In  thy  time,  take  us  to  live  with  thee.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  139 


XI. 

FOR    LOVE    TO    ALL. 

0  Thou  who  art  the  great  Creator 
And  sovereign  Ruler  over  all  worlds, 
When  we  worship  before  thy  throne, 
We  thank  thee  that  we  may  call  thee  Father. 
In  thy  presence  we  live, 
And  by  thy  kindness  we  are  supported. 
Thou  doest  all  things  well ; 
Thou  lovest  .all  whom  thou  hast  created. 
The  beams  of  thy  sun  visit  the  just  and  the  unjust ; 
Thy  showers  fall  on   the  thankful  and  the  un- 
thankful. 
In  the  fulness  of  thy  mercy, 
Thou  art  good,  even  to  the  poorest  sinner 
Who  forgets  thy  holy  name. 

We  pray  that,  like  thee,  Heavenly  Father, 
We  may  love  all  the  members  of  thy  family. 
Give  us  hearts  to  compassionate  the  suffering, 


140  PRAYEE-S. 

To  relieve  the  poor, 
To  care  for  the  sick, 
To  befriend  the  friendless, 
To  do  good  as  we  have  opportunity  to  all. 
Give  warmth  to  our  sympathy. 
And  tenderness  to  our  love. 
We  pray  to  thee,  Heavenly  Father, 
For  the  redemption  of  all  mankind 
From  sin  and  sorrow  ; 

For  the  growth  of  all  in  purity  and  kindness, 
And  that  they  may  obtain  thine  acceptance  in 
heaven. 
We  thank  thee  that  in  thy  dear  Son 
We  have  an  example  of  all  generous  affections ; 
That  he  came  to  seek  and  to  save  the  lost, 
That  to  every  form  of  suffering  he  ministered. 
May  his  blessed  spirit  rule  in  our  hearts, 
And  his  kingdom  of  love  be  established  within  us. 
To  thy  name,  through  him,  be  the  glory.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  141 


XII. 


FOR  UNFAILING  LOVE. 


Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven, 
We  acknowledge  thee  the  best  of  beings. 
All  this  great  world  around  us,  — 
The  far-shining  stars  of  night. 
The  fields,  the  rivers,  the  mountains,  — 
All  were  made  by  th j  wisdom  and  thy  goodness. 
The  countless  generations  of  mankind 
Were  formed  by  thee  in  love. 
Thy  dealings  have  been  ever  good, 
And  thy  commandments  all  are  just. 

O  God,  help  us  in  our  weakness. 
That  we  may  love  thee  as  we  ought. 
May  we  love  thee  in  our  prayers ; 
May  we  love  thee  in  our  labors ; 
May  we  love  thee  in  our  recreations ; 
When  we  are  at  home. 
And  when  we  are  abroad ; 


142 


PRAYERS. 


When  we  are  in  society, 

And  when  we  are  alone  ; 

In  the  silence  of  the  night, 

Amid  the  cares  of  the  day, 

Still  may  our  hearts  be  moved  by  love  to  thee. 

Bless  us,  0  God,  through  thine  almighty  power, 
Through  thine  infinite  wisdom ; 
By  that  Saviour  whom  thou  didst  send  to  us ; 
With  that  Holy  Spirit  that  still  comes  from  thee ; 
Bless  us  in  the  enjoyments  of  life ; 
Bless  us  in  the  hour  of  death ; 
Through  all  the  scenes  of  time. 
And  through  the  ages  of  eternity; 
And  to  thy  great  name  be  everlasting  praises. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS. 


143 


XIII. 

FOR  A  CHILDHOOD  LIKE  THAT  OF  JESUS. 

God  and  Father  of  Jesus  Christ ! 
Wliom  he  worshipped  with  praise  and  prayer ; 
To  whom  he  has  directed  us  to  go, 
Telling  us  that  him  thou  always  hearest, 
And  whatsoever  we  ask  in  his  name, 
Thou  wilt  give  it  to  us. 

May  we  be  like  thy  beloved  Son : 
Bearing  his  image  in  every  period  of  life. 
May  we  bear  it  especially  in  our  early  years. 
Like  him,  in  the  spirit  of  gentle  obedience, 
May  we  be  subject  to  our  parents  ; 
Like  him,  as  we  increase  in  stature. 
May  we  grow  in  favor  with  God  and  man ; 
Like  him,  may  we  love  thy  holy  house. 
And  seek  the  teachers  of  heavenly  truth ; 
Like  him,  may  we  feel  our  tie  to  thee. 
And  be  about  our  Father's  business ; 


144  PRAYERS. 

Like  him,  may  we  take  up  life's  work, 
Giving  ourselves  wholly  to  thy  service, 
"With  a  meek  and  lowly  temper, 
Willing  to  suffer,  patient  to  bear ; 
Remembering  that  for  this  we  are  born, 
And  for  this  purpose  are  sent  into  the  world, 
That  we  may  bear  witness  to  the  truth. 

Holy  Father,  thus  do  we  pray  to  thee, 
"We,  who  are  so-far  behind  Him, 
"Who,  though  tempted,  yet  knew  no  sin. 
To  the  heights  of  his  spotless  purity 
We  would  lift  up  adoring  eyes. 
May  something  of  the  grace  of  that  holy  child 
Rest  on  us,  thy  children,  now : 
And  to  thee,  through  him,  be  the  glory.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  145 


XIV. 

FOR  AN  EARLY  CONSECRATION  TO  CHRIST. 

0  Father  of  our  Lord  and  Christ ! 
"Who  hast  given  us  thy  holy  child  Jesus, 
A  new  and  living  Way  to  thee, 
A  pattern  in  duty,  a  guide  to  truth, 
A  Saviour  of  all  that  call  on  his  name  ; 
"We  thank  thee  for  this  unspeakable  gift. 
For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God, 
That  on  us  this  light  hath  arisen, 
That  to  us  this  salvation  hath  come. 

Impress  upon  our  minds,  we  pray  thee, 
That  we  are  sharers  of  this  great  blessing, 
Not  by  flesh,  nor  by  the  will  of  man, 
Only  by  Christ's  spirit  in  our  hearts. 
To  him,  our  rightful  Lord  and  Master, 
Would  we  now  give  ourselves  ; 
To  him,  the  Shepherd  of  Souls, 
We  come  as  lambs  of  his  -flock ; 

13 


146  PRAYERS. 

To  him,  the  only  name  given  under  heaven 

Whereby  we  can  be  saved  from  our  sins^ 

"Would  we  look,  with  believing  and  grateful  hearts, 

For  pardon  and  eternal  life. 

0  God,  his  God  and  Father,  and  ours, 

Bless  this  purpose  of  our  souls ; 

Help  us  to  arise  and  follow  Jesus ; 

In  his  footsteps  may  we  daily  walk  ; 

His  be  the  temper  of  our  inmost  hearts. 

Thus  joined  to  Christ  on  earth, 
May  we  be  gathered  into  his  fold  in  heaven, 
And  neither  life  nor  death  separate  us 
From  the  love  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ. 
To  thy  holy  name  be  the  glory  for  ever.     Amen 


PRAYERS.  147 


XV. 

TO  BE  IN  THE  FOLD  OF  THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD. 

0  Tiiou  who  sent  tlij  Son  into  the  world 
To  gather  a  company  unto  himself, 
"We  thank  thee  that,  through  thy  help, 
He  established  his  Church  among  men ; 
"We  thank  thee  that  it  endures  to  this  day,  — 
For  the  multitudes  of  believers  it  has  enrolled, 
For  its  lioly  and  beautiful  rites, 
For  the  pure  faith  it  has  nourished, 
For  the  devout  love  it  has  sheltered, 
For  the  noble  works  it  has  inspired ; 
"We  thank  thee  that  its  precious  promise 
Is  to  believers  and  their  children, 
And  that  even  we  in  our  youth 
May  be  lambs  of  the  Good  Shepherd's  flock. 

O  God,  may  we  rejoice  to  be  members 
In  that  protected  and  blessed  fold ; 
May  we  follow  the  voice  of  the  Shepherd ; 


1.48  PRAYERS. 

May  his  arms  of  love  encircle  us ; 
May  the  washing  of  thy  pure  spirit, . 
Set  forth  by  the  water  of  baptism, 
Make  our  hearts  clean  in  thy  sight ; 
And  while  the  dew  of  our  youth  is  on  us. 
May  we  reverence  the  table  of  Jesus, 
And  eat  and  drink  in  his  remembrance ; 
By  life  and  conversation  may  we  give  proof 
That  we  have  been  with  Jesus, 
And  by  sweet  affections  and  holy  deeds 
Show  that  we  have  learned  of  him. 

Father  Almighty,  thus  joined  to  Christ  on  earth, 
May  we  be  of  his  Church  in  heaven, 
"With  saints  of  all  ages  and  thy  holy  angels. 
Through  Him  who  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for  us. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  149 


XVI. 

FOR  A  SENSE  OF  DEPENDENCE  ON  GOD. 

0  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
We  humbly  bow  before  thy  throne ; 
We  acknowledge  and  we  worship  thee ; 
We  thank  thee  that  we  are  the  children  of  thy  love ; 
Thou  hast  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ; 
Thou  watchest  over  us  by  night ; 
Thou  keepest  all  our  steps  by  day ; 
We  can  never  go  from  thy  presence, 
Nor  flee  from  thy  spirit ; 
Thou  art  holy  and  thou  art  wise ; 
Thy  commandments  are  good  ; 
Thy  tender  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works. 

0  God,  bless  us,  thy  lowly  children ; 
Teach  us  thy  holy  will ; 
May  we  rely  on  thy  providence  and  bounty ; 
Forgive  the  sins  of  which  we  have  been  guilty. 
And,  because  we  are  weak  in  ourselves, 
13* 


150  PRAYERS. 

May  we  find  our  strength  in  God ; 
Give  us,  in  this  world,  peace  and  joy ; 
And,  since  thou  art  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth. 
And  after  death  wilt  raise  us  to  another  life, 
We  pray  thee  mercifully  to  receive  us  hereafter, 
And  give  us  a  place  among  thy  blessed  angels, 
Where  we  may  for  ever  serve  and  love  thee. 
We  offer  our  prayers  to  thee  in  the  name  ol 

Jesus, 
Who  has  taught  us  of  the  Fatherly  care 
Which  numbers  the  hairs  of  our  head, 
And  without  which  not  a  sparrow  falleth  to  the 

ground : 
On  this  in  life  and  death  we  would  depend. 
Through  him  to  thee  be  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 


PRAYERS. 


151 


XVII. 

FOR    STRENGTH    IN    TEMPTATION. 

O  God,  who  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us 
As  merciful,  tender,  and  full  of  compassion, 
Have  pity  upon  us  in  our  weakness, 
And  give  us  victory  over  our  temptations. 
"We  see  that  we  often  do  that  which  is  wrong : 
Thine  eye  sees  failings  to  which  we  are  blind. 
O  God,  feeble,  wandering,  and  falling, 
We  come  to  thee  for  help. 

All-knowing  Father,  teach  us  to  know  ourselves ; 
Reveal  to  us  the  true  source  of  our  failings  ; 
Make  us  feel  that  our  sins  cleave  to  us, 
Because  we  have  not  thy  spirit  within ; 
Teach  us  to  lean,  not  on  ourselves,  but  on  thee ; 
Give  us  thy  strength  perfect  in  our  weakness ; 
Create  in  us  a  clean  heart. 
Renew  a  right  spirit  within  us ; 
Show  us  how  we  can  do  all  things, 


152 


PRAYERS. 


Through  Him  who  strengtheneth  us, 

And  who,  himself  tempted  as  we  are, 

Was  yet  without  sin. 

Let  the  faith  that  was  in  hun 

Be  our  shield  to  quench  the  darts  of  evil ; 

May  we  stand  with  our  feet  shod  with  his  truth, 

And  our  loins  girt  about  by  his  word ; 

Amid  all  trials  may  we  watch  unto  prayer. 

0  Father,  our  refuge,  our  strength,  our  rock. 
Hear  us,  thy  frail  and  tempted  children ; 
And  let  the  struggles  and  perils  of  this  life 
Fit  us  for  a  world  of  peace  and  blessedness. 
To  which  in  thy  time  may  we  be  received, 
Through  thy  merciful  kindness  in  Jesus  Christ. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  153 


XVIII. 

FOR    GOOD    THOUGHTS. 

O  God,  oui'  great  Creator, 
We  adore  thee,  and  we  thank  thee 
That  thou  hast  made  man  a  living  soul ; 
We  thank  thee  that  the  thoughts  of  our  minds 
And  the  love  within  our  hearts 
May  live  through  everlasting  ages. 

We  would  remember  that  thou  searchest  us, 
To  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  us. 
Aid  us  by  thy  Spirit  perfect  in  our  weakness, 
That  our  hearts  may  be  wholly  pure. 
And  since  at  times  our  thoughts  mislead  us, 
And  we  are  betrayed  into  evil  ere  Ave  are  aware. 
We  pray  that  thou  wouldst  guide  our  thoughts, 
And  make  them  acceptable  to  thee. 
May  there  be  no  proud  thoughts  within  us ; 
May  angry  thoughts  be  put  far  from  us ; 
Save  us  from  envious  and  selfish  thoughts ; 


154  PRAYERS. 

Give  us  thouglits  humble  before  thee, 

Reverent  for  thy  truth, 

Gentle  towards  our  equals. 

Obedient  to  our  parents 

And  to  all  who  are  set  over  us  by  thee ; 

Help  us  to  possess  in  our  souls 

The  loveliness  of  the  spirit  of  Jesus, 

His  purity,  simplicity,  and  sincerity; 

Breathe  holy  desires  into  our  hearts ; 

Let  good  thoughts  come  like  good  angels  to  our 

minds ; 
May  we  be  obedient  to  the  heavenly  vision, 
And  let  them  not  go  tiU  they  have  blessed  us. 

Thus  may  we  love  thee  while  we  live  on  earth, 
And  hereafter  enter  the  nearer  presence 
Of  thy  perfect  love  in  heaven.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  155 


XIX. 

FOR    FAITHFULNESS    IN   DUTY. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven, 
With  the  voice  of  prayer  we  seek  thee  ; 
Encouraged  by  the  promise  of  thy  "Word, 
That  thou  art  more  ready  than  our  earthly  parents 
To  give  thy  best  gifts  unto  us. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thou,  our  Master, 
Hast  assigned  work  to  all  thy  children ; 
And  that  something,  in  thy  service. 
Even  such  as  we  can  do ; 
We  know  that  we  may  have  thy  favor, 
If  only  we  do  what  we  can  ; 
May  pure  motives  and  sweet  affections 
Guide  and  beautify  our  lives ; 
In  our  studies  may  we  be  diligent ; 
May  our  recreations  be  always  innocent ; 
To  our  teachers  may  we  be  attentive ; 
May  our  relation  to  parents,  brothers,  and  sisters 


156  PRAYERS. 

Be  marked  by  respect,  kindness,  and  love ; 

May  we  bear  our  little  trials  with  patience ; 

May  we  yield  our  preferences  with  cheerfulness ; 

May  we  not  selfishly  seek  our  own  pleasure, 

But  study  to  promote  the  enjoyment  of  others  ; 

If  we  are  ever  betrayed  into  anger. 

Help  us  to  restrain  our  feelings, 

And  to  put  far  from  us  all  strife ; 

Never  may  we  darken  our  homes 

By  a  disobedient  and  sullen  spirit ; 

But  may  our  presence  give  the  light 

Of  generous  feelings  and  cheerful  hearts ; 

And  when  at  night  we  seek  our  pillow, 

And  offer  to  thee  our  evening  prayer, 

May  we  be  able  to  recall  something  we  have  done 

To  make  the  day  useful  and  happy. 

0  God,  may  this  spirit  mark  our  early  years, 
And  groAV  with  our  growth  while  we  live ; 
May  a  life  of  usefulness  and  happiness  on  earth 
Fit  us  for  the  service  and  joy  of  heaven. 
Through  thy  grace  in  the  Redeemer  of  Souls. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  157 


XX. 

THAT    WE    MAY    FOLLOW    THE    EXAMPLE    OF 
GOOD    MEN. 

Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
Whom  thou  didst  send  into  the  world 
To  be  our  perfect  example  in  duty, 
"We  thank  thee  that  the  lives  of  the  good 
Animate  and  quicken  our  hearts. 
And  plead  with  us  to  walk  in  their  steps ; 
May  this  response  to  a  noble  example 
Be  as  the  voice  of  Grod  in  the  soul. 

We  thank  thee  that  there  have  been  those 
Whose  lives  shine  as  the  light,  — 
Holy  men  who  have  feared  God, 
Brave  men  who  have  upheld  the  right. 
Generous  men  who  have  lived  for  others'  good, 
Men  who  chose  suffering  rather  than  wrong, 
And  felt  thy  favor  to  be  better  than  life. 

Our  Father  in  heaven,  we  thank  thee, 

14 


158  PRAYERS. 

That,  without  the  honors  and  riches  of  this  world, 
Verilj  they  have  their  reward, 
In  the  approval  of  their  consciences 
And  in  the  smiles  of  thy  love. 
"We  mark  the  perfect  man  and  upright, 
For  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace. 
O  let  their  pure  and  noble  lives 
Be  a  trumpet-call  to  our  hearts ; 
May  we  feel  that  in  our  humble  sphere 
We  may  exercise  their  faith,  their  courage, 
Their  love  for  man,  their  fear  of  God ; 
Above  all,  draw  us  to  Him 
In  whom  centre  all  rays  of  excellence  ; 
And  in  our  souls  may  there  burn  a  desire 
To  be  like  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  159 


XXI. 

TO    BE    GUIDED    INTO    ALL    TRUTH. 

Almighty  God,  Avho  art  light, 
And  with  whom  there  is  no  darkness, 
To  thee  thy  children  now  come. 
That  in  thy  light  we  may  see  light. 
Mercifully  hear  our  lowly  prayer, 
And  give  us  the  wisdom  that  is  from  ahove. 

Save  us  from  all  that  would  blind  our  minds, 
From  pride,  presumption,  and  self-will. 
From  contentment  with  imperfect  views, 
From  neglect  of  continued  study  of  thy  Word. 
May  our  hearts  be  open  as  the  day. 
May  they  long  for  more  quickening  truth. 
As  we  sit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
On  us  be  the  blessings  he  pronounced 
On  the  poor  in  spirit  and  the  pure  in  heart- 
Give  us  clear  views  of  thy  Word,  — 
The  truth  that  is  not  a  spirit  of  bondage  to  fear, 


160  PRAYERS. 

But  of  love  and  of  a  sound  mind ; 
The  truth  that  sanctiiieth  and  maketh  free  ; 
That  binds  us  to  Jesus  and  allies  us  to  God ; 
That  ennobles  life  and  is  victorious  over  death. 

While  we  love  what  to  us  thou  teachest, 
And  cling  to  it  as  the  anchor  of  our  souls, 
May  we  remember  our  Master  has  other  servants ; 
That  to  him  alone  they  stand  or  fall. 
Give  us  love  for  all  who  love  thee. 
Amid  diversities  of  belief, 
May  there  be  the  spirit  of  truth,  — 
The  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

0  God,  send  forth  thy  truth  and  light : 
Over  error  and  wrong  and  sin  be  it  triumphant, 
Till  all  know  thee,  the  only  true  God, 
And  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  161 


XXII. 

FOR    OUR    HOMES. 

Our  Father  who  aH  in  heaven, 
We  thank  thee  that  we  know  thy  name ; 
And  we  bow  down  and  worship  thee, 
Father  of  all  the  families  of  earth. 

We  thank  thee  for  our  homes. 
For  a  father's  and  a  mother's  love, 
And  for  all  the  kindness  shown  to  us. 
We  pray  that,  as  sons  and  daughters. 
We  may  be  faithful  to  our  parents. 
And  may  always  truly  love  them. 
If  we  have  been  secretly  disobedient  to  them, 
Or  have  openly  sinned  against  them. 
Before  the  face  of  thine  exalted  purity 
We  humbly  confess  our  sin, 
And  implore  thy  divine  forgiveness. 

And  now,  so  may  we  live,  O  God, 
That  father  and  mother,  and  brother  and  sister, 

14* 


162  PRAYERS. 

And  all  whom  we  ought  to  love, 

By  our  kind  deeds  and  gentle  words 

May  be  made  happy  every  day. 

Save  us  from  being  selfish,  thoughtless,  and  unjust ; 

May  our  temper  be  meek,  gentle,  affectionate  ; 

And,  when  we  have  done  all  that  we  can 

To  make  our  homes  happy  upon  earth. 

May  we  be  received,  at  last,  with  all  we  love, 

To  the  mansions  of  the  home  in  heaven. 

For  the  hope  of  that  heavenly  home, 
For  the  memory  of  loved  ones  there  gathered, 
For  the  welcome  they  may  give  to  us, 
For  the  guidance  of  the  Shepherd  of  the  flock, 
For  the  great  family  in  heaven  and  on  earth. 
We  will,  give  thee,  now  and  ever,  our  thanks. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  163 


XXIII. 

FOR    THE    POOR   AND    SUFFERING. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
"Who  hast  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men, 
To  dwell  on  the  face  of  the  earth  ; 
The  high  and  the  humble, 
The  rich  and  the  poor,  are  thine : 
The  Lord  is  the  maker  of  them  all. 

"We  thank  thee  for  all  the  good  things 
"We  are  ourselves  permitted  to  enjoy  : 
For  our  comfortable  and  happy  homes. 
For  kind  parents,  wise  and  faithful  friends. 
Help  us,  O  God,  that  in  our  abundance 
We  may  remember  the  poor  and  suffering : 
Hear  thou  our  prayers  for  their  sakes; 
Give  to  them  in  their  needs  ; 
Shield  them  in  their  exposures ; 
Bless  the  widow  and  the  orphan  •, 
"Wipe  away  the  tears  from  the  afflicted : 


164  PRAYERS. 

What  thou  of  thy  bounty  givest  us 
May  we  share  with  the  needy. 
In  the  friendless  and  the  suffering, 
May  we  see  the  person  of  Jesus ; 
And  hear  his  voice  say  to  us, 
Because  ye  did  it  unto  them, 
Ye  did  it  unto  me. 

Fathei',  we  pray  that  his  tender  spirit 
May  yet  more  and  more  prevail  in  the  world, 
And  be  triumphant  over  human  woe. 
And  to  thy  great  name,  through  him, 
Be  glory  and  honor  for  ever.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  165 


XXIV. 

FOR    A    HOPE    FULL    OF    IMMORTALITY. 

Almighty  God,  who  livest  for  ever, 
Without  beginning  of  years  or  end  of  days  ; 
Though  our  earthly  life  be  a  span, 
"We  have  a  hope  of  a  life  eternal. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God, 
Who  has  begotten  us  to  this  lively  hope, 
By  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  from  the  dead. 

May  the  power  of  the  life  to  come 
Be  felt  in  the  life  that  now  is. 
May  we  see  that  the  gain  of  the  whole  world 
Shall  at  last  profit  us  nothing. 
If  we  lose  our  own  soul ; 
And  that  nothing  can  be  given 
In  exchange  for  the  soul. 
Beyond  things  seen  and  temporal 
May  we  extend  the  vision  of  our  faith. 
And  Uve  for  interests  that  shall  endure 
When  the  stars  of  the  firmament  shall  perish. 


166  PRAYERS. 

May  we  diligently  sow  the  seed 
That  shall  bear  fruit  to  eternal  life  ; 
May  the  thought  of  the  world  to  come 
Lift  up  and  ennoble  all  our  aims, 
Giving  us  patience  in  our  trials, 
Making  life  a  sacred  discipline. 
And  death  seem  but  as  a  new  birth. 
May  we  feel  that  friends  departed  in  Christ 
Are  not  lost,  but  are  in  that  heavenly  home 
"Which  Jesus  has  gone  before  to  prepare  ; 
And  that,  one  day,  they  will  there  welcome 
The  loved  who  shall  follow  in  their  steps. 

O  God,  grant  that  no  sins 
May  darken  this  precious  hope. 
Give  us  that  divine  spirit 
Which  abolishes  all  thought  of  death. 
And  fits  us  for  the  company  of  the  pure  in  heart, 
"Who  shall  for  ever  see  God. 

"We  offer  our  prayer  in  the  name  of  Him 
"Who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life, 
"Who  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light, 
For  whose  salvation  we  thank  thee. 
And  through  whom  to  thee  be  the  praise  for  ever. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  167 


XXV. 

FOR    A    FRIEND    WHO    IS    SICK. 

Almighty  God,  most  merciful  Father, 
Who  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit,  and  we  are  created ; 
Who  liidest  thy  face,  and  we  are  troubled ; 
Who  takest  away  our  breath,  and  we  die  : 
With  thee  are  the  issues  of  all  things; 
And  health  and  sickness,  life  and  death, 
Are  the  messengers  of  thy  will. 

We  offer  our  supplications  unto  thee 
For  our  friend  who  is  sick  ; 
That  this  sickness  may  not  be  unto  death. 
But  for  the  glory  of  God. 
O  thou,  who  art  our  life  and  our  health, 
Bless  the  means  used  for  recovery  ; 
Stay  the  progress  of  wasting  disease ; 
Bring  back  strength  to  the  feeble ; 
Give  our  friend  many  years  to  see  good. 
And  to  devote  restored  life  to  thy  service. 


168 


PRAYERS. 


Father,  not  our  will,  but  thine,  be  done, 
(f  this  sickness  is  to  be  the  last  sickness. 
And  this  bed  to  be  the  bed  of  death, 
O  God,  prepare  all  hearts  for  thy  will. 
Give  us  the  supports  of  submission  and  trust ; 
May  we  find  the  balm  in  Gilead, 
And  know  that  there  is  a  Physician  there, 
Who,  though  the  outward  man  perish. 
Can  renew  the  inward  man  day  by  day. 
Impart  that  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
Which  triumphs  over  the  decays  of  mortality, 
And  by  which  death  is  swallowed  up  in  life. 

Father,  may  the  remembrance  of  our  frailty 
Call  us  to  begin,  without  delay. 
Our  preparation  for  days  of  weakness  and  decline, 
Which  shall  surely  come  to  us  also. 
And  at  last,  through  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ, 
Reunite  us  in  peace,  in  that  world 
Where  there  is  no  sickness,  nor  sorrowing,  nor 
death.    Amen. 


PRAYERS.  169 


XXVI. 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF  AN  ELDER  SCHOLAR, 
OR  TEACHER. 

0  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
The  Giver  of  Life,  and  the  Disposer  of  Death. 
Since,  in  thine  infinite  wisdom, 
It  hath  pleased  thee  to  remove  from  us  our  friend, 
We  bow  with  humble  submission. 
And  adore  thee,  the  greatest  and  best  of  beings. 
Even  in  our  tears,  our  prayer  shall  be,  — 
Father,  not  our  will,  but  thine  be  done. 

We  thank  thee  for  the  life  our  friend  here  lived. 
For  the  happy  hours  which  memory  brings  to  mind. 
We  bless  thee  that  we  have  often  been  permitted 
To  engage  in  thy  worship  with  the  departed. 
That  voice  will  no  more  be  heard  by  us ; 
That  smile  will  no  more  be  seen  by  us ; 
Yet  thou  lovest  us  who  are  still  left, 
And  thou  lovest  those  who  have  been  taken : 
15 


170  PRAYERS. 

Thou  art  God  of  the  spirits  of  the  departed, 

As  much  as  of  thy  children  in  this  visible  world. 

Comfort  usj  we  beseech  thee,  in  our  affliction ; 

And  in  the  bereavement  which  we  endure, 

Exalt  our  minds,  that,  with  a  true  faith, 

Our  hearts  may  follow  after  the  absent 

To  the  world  to  which  they  have  gone. 

May  we  receive  with  tender  hearts 

The  lessons  death  is  designed  to  give. 

May  it  seem  like  putting  off  the  perishable, 

So  that  nothing  but  life  may  remain. 

May  it  seem  like  a  new  birth, 

To  a  world  where  death  is  unknown. 

Teach  us  to  live  as  those  who  are  about  to  die ; 

Teach  us  to  live  as  those  who  shall  live  for  ever. 

In  the  blessedness  of  thy  heavenly  presence. 

With  Chi-ist  and  the  holy  angels, 

And  with  all  whom  we  have  truly  loved  on  earth. 

Merciful  Father,  forgive  our  sins ; 
Strengthen  us  in  all  goodness, 
In  meekness,  humihty,  faith,  and  patience. 
And  unto  thee  who  lovest  us. 
Through  Christ  who  died  for  us, 
Be  all  praise  and  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  17  L 


XXVII. 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF    A    YOUNGER    SCHOLAR. 

Almighty  God,  we  humbly  adore  tliee : 
Thou  art  the  author  and  the  giver  of  life. 
"We  thank  thee,  that  as  in  love  thou  dost  create  us, 
And  in  love  thou  dost  watch  over  and  preserve  us, 
In  equal  love  thou  appointest  the  day  of  our  death. 

"We  bless  thee  for  the  life  of  the  little  child 
Whom  thy  wise  providence  hath  taken  from  us ; 
"We  thank  thee  for  its  innocence, 
For  its  sweetness  of  temper, 
And  the  fulness  of  its  love. 
We  shall  see  it  no  more  in  this  world. 
But  it  dwells  with  thee. 
We  rejoice  in  the  assurance  of  Jesus, 
That  its  angel  doth  always  behold  the  face 
Of  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

And  now  help  us,  Almighty  God, 
Co  bear  our  sorrow  with  a  cheerful  trust. 


172  PRAYERS. 

Enlarge  our  hearts  by  faith, 

That  we  may  believe  in  the  immortal  world ; 

Pi'epare  our  souls,  by  all  thy  wise  admonitions, 

That  we,  being  delivered  from  all  sins. 

And  being  strengthened  in  the  love  of  all  good, 

May  be  worthy  to  enter  thine  eternal  inheritance. 

O  God,  we  pray  thee,  comfort  the  afflicted ; 
Visit  their  hearts  with  peace ; 
Wipe  the  tears  from  their  eyes ; 
Let  thy  spirit  dwell  in  their  souls  with  love  ; 
Help  them  to  serve  thee  truly  in  this  world, 
And  receive  them  at  last  to  the  loved  and  the  lost, 
Where  there  is  no  more  sorrowing  nor  death ; 
And  to  thy  great  name,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
The  dear  Redeemer  who  hath  abolished  death, 
Be  praises  everlasting.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  173 


XXVIII. 

AT    AN    ANNIVERSARY    CELEBRATION. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
Who  hast  made  the  heavens  fair  above  our  heads, 
And  the  earth  beautiful  beneath  our  feet ; 
Who  hast  given  health  to  our  bodies, 
And  hast  filled  our  hearts  with  joy ; 
We  bow  with  gladness  before  thy  throne, 
To  worship  thee,  the  Infinite  and  Holy  One. 

Bless  us  in  this  day  of  our  assembling ; 
Bless  the  friends  who  are  with  us, 
And  the  friends  we  love  who  are  absent. 
Teach  us  thy  lessons  from  the  scene  around  us ; 
In  the  midst  of  the  young  and  the  happy. 
May  our  hearts  be  pure,  gentle,  and  devout ; 
May  the  air  of  heaven  breathe  to  us  its  purity. 
The  clouds  above  us  tell  of  thy  goodness, 
And  the  lofty  sky  lift  up  our  souls 
To  the  heaven  in  which  thou  dwellest. 
15* 


174  PRAYERS. 

0  God,  in  sparing  our  lives  to  this  day, 
"We  recognize  thy  fatherly  goodness ; 
"We  thank  thee  for  the  year  that  is  passed, 
And  for  all  its  opportunities  and  lessons ; 
Forgive  our  neglects  and  sins ; 
Help  us  to  mai-k  this  day 
By  a  renewed  consecration  to  thee. 
We  bless  thee  for  gifts  prolonged  by  thy  love ; 
We  bless  thee  for  hopes  of  greater  faithfulness 
To  mai'k  our  future  way ; 

We  bless  thee  for  the  memory  of  departed  friends, 
And  for  good  people  of  all  ages ; 
We  bless  thee  for  Christ,  the  dear  Redeemer, 
Whose  faithful  disciples  we  pray  that  we  may  be, 
And  by  whom  may  we  be  accepted. 
When  we  shall  be  called  from  this  present  world 
To  thy  world  of  unseen  glory  &nd  .blessedness. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  175 


XXIX. 

AT    A    RURAL    CELEBRATION. 

God  of  Nature,  God  of  Grace, 

Who  hath  made  for. us  two  great  lights  : 

The  glorious  light  of  thy  Works, 

The  glorious  light  of  thy  Word. 

We  thank  thee  for  both  of  these  teachers, 

And  that  both  are  thy  hai'monious  voice 

To  all  the  children  of  men- 
While  we  read  the  page  of  thy  elder  scripture, 

We  bow  down  to  worship  thee. 

Thine  the  sun,  the  light,  the  sky  ; 

Thine  the  hills,  the  trees,  the  grass  ; 

Thine  the  breath  of  flowers,  the  song  of  bird  ; 

Thine  the  smile  on  the  face  of  nature  ; 

Thine  this  deep  tide  of  life  and  joy ; 

Thine  the  fair,  round  world,  full  of  thy  riches : 

0  God,  in  wisdom  hast  thou  made  thy  works. 

For  thy  pleasure  are  they  created. 

To  declare  the  invisible  things  of  thee : 


176  PRAYERS. 

Thy  Godhead,  thy  power,  thy  goodness ; 
To  lift  up  all  our  heai-ts  to  thee 
In  grateful  and  adoring  trust. 

Father  Almighty,  to  thee  do  we  come. 
Let  thy  majesty  humble  our  souls  ; 
Let  thy  benignity  give  them  joy ; 
And  while  we  muse  on  the  calm  silence  around, 
May  we  thank  thee  that  to  it  thou  hast  added 
A  voice,  sublime  as  the  stars. 
Sweet  as  the  breath  of  morn, 
Wliich  speaks  pardon  to  repented  sins, 
And  gives  the  promise  of  eternal  life. 
For  Jesus  we  will  here  thank  thee  ; 
For  the  Christian's  life,  and  the  Christian's  hope. 

0  God,  may  the  moments  here  passed 
Be  moments  of  pure  and  devout  joy. 
Let  thoughts  of  thy  presence  and  love 
Hallow  our  greetings  and  recreations. 
May  we  go  back  to  life's  varied  work 
Refreshed  for  more  dutiful  toil ; 
Grateful  for  this  beautiful  world ; 
Grateful  for  all  kindly  affections  ; 
Grateful  for  the  hope  of  reunion  in  heaven. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS.  177 


XXX. 

AT    CHRISTMAS. 

Our  Father  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name ! 
With  the  voice  of  praise  do  we  come  to  thee, 
That  thou  hast  visited  us  in  our  low  estate, 
And  raised  up  for  us  a  Saviour, 
Promised  of  old  by  thy  holy  Prophets, 
And  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power. 

Thanks  that  the  song  has  encircled  the  earth 
Which  was  first  heard  on  Bethlehem's  plain : 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
Peace  on  earth,  good-will  towards  men. 
May  our  hearts  be  attuned  to  that  praise, 
And,  from  the  fulness  of  our  joy  for  a  Saviour, 
May  we  take  up  and  repeat  the  anthem : 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ! 
Thanks  that  we  may  bring  gifts  to  thy  child  Jesus ; 
That  the  poorest  may  open  treasures  for  him. 
Assurance  that  on  him  thou  hast  laid  our  help, 


178  PRAYERS. 

Hearts  joyful  in  the  truth  he  brings  from  heaven, 
Souls  longing  to  possess  his  divine  life,  — 
Father,  these  are  our  offerings  ;  if  sincere, 
More  precious  to  thy  pure  eyes 
Than  gold,  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 

0  God,  may  every  return  of  this  day 
Witness  new  triumphs  of  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son. 
Give  it  more  power  in  each  of  our  souls  ; 
Extend  its  dominion  of  truth,  peace,  and  love  ; 
Bless  all  efforts  to  send  it  abroad  through  the  world, 
Till  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  shall  rejoice, 
And  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God. 

Amen. 


PRAYERS. 


179 


XXXI. 

AT  THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR. 

Almighty  God,  who  inhabitest  eternity, 
WIio  art  without  beginning  of  years, 
And  whose  days  shall  have  no  end ; 
"We,  thy  children,  who  are  of  yesterday, 
And  whose  life  passes  away  as  a  tale, 
Lift  to  thee  our  lowly  prayer. 

Ackowledging  thy  care,  we  look  back 
Upon  the  way  in  which  thou  hast  led  us. 
Thy  seasons  have  visited  us  in  turn ; 
Thy  hand  hath  supplied  our  wants  ; 
Thy  love  hath  bestowed  our  enjoyments ; 
Thy  wisdom  hath  appointed  our  trials ; 
And  because  we  have  obtained  help  from  thee. 
We  have  continued  to  this  time. 
Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul. 
And  forget  not  all  his  benefits, 
Who  healeth  all  thy  sicknesses, 


180  PRAYERS. 

Who  redeemeth  thy  hfe  from  destruction, 
Who  crownest  thy  days  with  goodness. 

O  God,  witli  thoughtful  minds  may  we  remember 
That  a  year  of  our  hfe  is  gone. 
Its  moments  never  to  be  recalled, 
Its  record  never  to  be  changed. 
If  that  record  tells  of  our  neglect, 
Of  our  disobedience  to  parents. 
Of  our  unkindness  to  one  another, 
Of  our  misuse  of  our  time, 
Of  our  forgetfulness  of  God, 
May  not  the  last  sun  of  this  year  go  down 
On  unrepented  and  unforgiven  sins ; 
For  thy  mercy's  sake,  grant  us  thy  pardon. 

Father,  in  this  solemn  hour, 
We  remember  those,  a  year  since  with  us, 
Whom  we  shall  see  on  earth  no  more ; 
No  more  shall  they  join  in  our  prayers, 
No  more  lift  their  voices  in  our  songs. 
We  hope  their  angels  are  around  thy  throne. 
For  their  higher  worship  in  heaven 
May  these  fleeting  years  prepare  us. 
That  we  may  join  their  company 


PRAYKHS.  181 

When  GUI'  days  on  earth  are  passed. 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days  ' 

Tliat  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Father,  we  offer  our  prayer  to  thee, 
For  that  spirit  of  Jesus  which  is  life  eternal, 
Which  lifts  us  above  all  changes  of  time, 
And  gives  us  a  foretaste  of  immortality. 
With  stronger  faith,  and  quickened  diligence, 
May  we  seek  Him,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life ; 
May  our  life  be  hid  in  his. 
And  be  safe  and  enduring  for  ever. 
To  thee  be  the  glory,  through  him.     Amen. 


16 


182 


PRAYERS. 


XXXII. 

AT  THE  BEGINNING  OF  THE  YEAR. 

God  of  the  changing  seasons  ! 
Who  fulfillest  to  us  thy  promise, 
That  as  long  as  the  earth  endures, 
Summer  and  winter  shall  not  fail ; 
Thine  is  the  light  of  this  new  year ; 
"We  pray  that  it  may  be  consecrated  to  thee. 

Accept  our  thanks  for  this  new  gift. 
With  joy  we  enter  on  this  new  scene. 
While  for  all  we  wish  it  may  be  happy. 
Father,  we  feel  that  the  fulfilment  is  with  thee. 
We  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow : 
All  our  times  are  in  thy  hand. 
To  thee  we  bring  our  hopes  and  our  plans ; 
O  God,  do  with  them  and  with  us 
As  seemeth  right  in  thy  sight. 

We  pray  that  this  year  may  be  new, 
By  bringing  new  thoughts  of  God, 


PRAYERS.  183 

New  longings  for  tby  Spirit, 

New  resolutions  for  thy  service. 

If  it  be  the  last  year  we  see  on  earth, 

May  it  be  the  best  of  our  lives ; 

If  we  live  to  its  close,  may  that  find  us 

More  truly  children  of  God. 

"We  would  not  be  anxious  about  coming  days : 

"We  leave  the  ordering  of  our  lot  to  thee, 

Feeling  that  we  are  in  our  Father's  house, 

And  are  safe  beneath  a  Father's  eye. 

Not  of  thee,  but  of  ourselves,  are  we  distrustful. 

Keep  us  from  the  neglects  of  former  years ; 

Help  us  to  be  more  thoughtful  and  diligent. 

More  watchful  and  prayerful  in  temptation, 

More  alive  to  the  true  work  of  life. 

More  strong  in  the  spirit  of  our  divine  Master. 

Standing  at  the  opening  of  this  new  scene, 
"We  pray  for  thy  blessing  on  our  friends ; 
Be  with  our  parents,  brothers,  and  sisters ; 
May  our  homes  be  homes  of  peace  and  love ; 
Bless  our  pastor  and  our  teachers. 
May  the  Sabbaths  of  this  coming  year 
Give  new  power  to  thy  truth  and  grace ; 


184  PRAYERS. 

Let  the  Gospel  of  thy  dear  Son 

Have  success  in  its  purpose  of  love ; 

And  the  spirit  and  power  of  his  cross 

Triumph  over  the  woes  of  the  world. 

To  him  be  glory  in  his  Church  for  ever.     Amen 


HYMKS, 


16* 


HYMNS. 


Ir       C.    M. 

1  Father  in  heaven,  to  whom  our  hearts 

Would  lift  themselves  in  prayer, 
Drive  from  our  souls  each  earthly  thought, 
And  show  thy  presence  there. 

2  Help  us  to  break  the  galling  chains 

This  world  has  round  us  thrown ; 
Each  passion  of  our  hearts  subdue. 
Each  cherished  sin  disown. 

3  0  Father !  kindle  in  our  souls 

A  never-dying  flame 
Of  holy  love,  of  grateful  trust 
In  thine  almighty  name. 


t?---? 


<^ 


I 


% 


188  INTRODUCTORY. 

■l^X  ^  ^  2.     C.  M. 

1  What  secret  hand,  at  morning  light, 

Softly  unseals  mine  eye. 
Draws  back  the  curtain  of  the  night. 
And  opens  earth  and  sky  ? 

2  'T  is  thine,  0  God  !  —  the  same  that  kept 

My  resting  hours  from  harm ; 

No  ill  came  near  me,  for  I  slept  . 

Beneath  th'  Almighty's  arm. 

3  May  that  sure  hand  uphold  me  still 

Through  life's  uncertain  race. 
To  bring  me  to  thy  holy  hiU, 
And  to  thy  dwelling-place. 


3.     C.  M.  ,,__^, 

1  Blest  day  of  God !  most  calm,  most  bright, 

The  first  and  best  of  days ; 
The  laborer's  rest,  the  saint's  delight, 
The  day  of  prayer  and  praise ! 

2  My  Saviour's  face  made  thee  to  shine 

His  rising  thee  did  raise ; 
And  made  thee  heavenly  and  divine 
Beyond  all  other  days. 


c 


INTRODUCTORY.  189 

The  first-fruits  oft  a  Messing  prove 

To  all  the  sheaves  behind  ; 
And  they  who  do  the  Sabbath  love, 

A  happy  week  will  find. 


6^^ 


4.    P.  M. 


X  Come,  thou  Almighty  King  ! 
Help  us  thy  name  to  sing ; 

Help  us  to  praise ! 
Father  all  glorious, 
O'er  all  victorious, 
Come,  and  reign  over  us. 
Ancient  of  days ! 

2  Come,  thou  all-gracious  Lord ! 
By  heaven  and  earth  adored. 

Our  prayer  attend ! 
Come,  and  thy  children  bless ; 
Give  thy  good  word  success ; 
Make  thine  own  holiness 

On  us  descend ! 

3  Never  from  us  depart ! 
Rule  thou  in  every  heart, 

Hence,  evermore ! 
Thy  sovereign  majesty 
May  we  in  glory  see. 
And  to  eternity 

Love  and  adore. 


J... 


190  INTRODUCTORY. 

5.     S.  M. 


J^ 


1  Sweet  is  the  task,  0  Lord, 
Thy  glorious  acts  to  sing, 

To  praise  thy  name,  and  hear  thy  word, 
And  grateful  offerings  bring. 

2  Sweet,  at  the  dawning  hour,         * 
Thy  boundless  love  to  tell ; 

And  when  the  night-wind  shuts  the  flower, 
Still  on  the  theme  to  dwell. 

3  Sweet,  on  this  day  of  rest. 
To  join  in  heart  and  voice 

With  those  who  love  and  serve  thee  best, 
And  in  thy  name  rejoice. 

4  To  songs  of  praise  and  joy. 
Be  every  Sabbath  given, 

That  such  may  be  our  blest  employ 
Eternally  in  heaven. 

6.     S.  M. 

1     To  God  the  only  wise, 
Our  Saviour  and  our  King, 
Let  all  the  saints  below  the  skies 
Their  humble  praises  bring. 


INTRODUCTORY.  191 

2  'T  is  his  almighty  love, 
His  counsel  and  his  care, 

Preserves  us  safe  from  sin  and  death. 
And  every  hurtful  snare. 

3  Then  all  the  chosen  seed 
Shall  meet  around  the  throne, 

Shall  bless  the  conduct  of  his  grace, 
And  make  his  wonders  known. 

i     To  our  Redeemer,  God, 

Wisdom  and  power  belongs, 
Immortal  crowns  of  majesty, 
And  everlasting  songs. 


7.     L.  M. 

1  "While  here  the  throne  of  grace  we  seek, 
O  God,  within  our  spirits  speak  ! 

For  we  will  hear  thy  voice  to-day. 
Nor  turn  our  hardened  hearts  away. 

2  Speak  in  thy  gentlest  tones  of  love, 
Till  all  our  best  affections  move ; 
We  long  to  hear  no  meaner  call. 
But  feel  that  Thou  art  all  in  all. 


192  INTRODUCTORY. 

3  Speak  to  convince,  forgive,  console : 
Child-like  we  yield  to  thy  control : 
These  hearts,  too  often  closed  before, 
Would  grieve  thy  patient  love  no  more. 


:',t>^ 


8.    7s.  M. 


1  Suppliant,  lo !  thy  children  bend, 

Father,  for  thy  blessing  now ; 
Thou  canst  guard  us,  guide,  defend ; 
We  are  weak,  almighty  thou. 

2  With  the  peace  thy  word  imparts, 

Be  the  taught  and  teacher  blest ; 
In  our  lives,  and  on  our  hearts. 
Father,  be  thy  laws  impressed. 

3  Shed  abroad  in  every  mind, 

Light  and  pardon  from  above. 
Charity  for  all  our  kind, 

Trusting  faith,  and  holy  love. 

O.     7s.  M. 

I  O,  GIVE  thanks  to  Him  who  made 
Morning  light  and  evening  shade ! 
Source  and  Giver  of  all  good,  — 
Nightly  sleep  and  daily  food,  — 


INTRODUCTORY.  193 

Quickener  of  our  weaned  powers, 
Guard  of  our  unconscious  hours  ! 

0,  give  thanks  for  hini  who  came, 
In  a  mortal,  suffering  frame, 
Temple  of  the  Deity ;  — 
Came  to  bear  our  souls  on  high. 
In  the  path  himself  hath  trod, 
Leading  back  his  saints  to  God. 


10.    *L.  M. 

1  Father  and  Guai-dian  !  to  thy  shrine 
The  life  thou  keepest  will  I  bring ; 
All,  great  Creator !  all  is  thine  ; 

The  heart  my  noblest  offering ! 

2  The  morning  light  shall  see  my  prayer. 
The  noonday  calm  shall  know  my  praise ; 
And  evening's  still  and  fragrant  air 

My  grateful  hymn  to  thee  shall  raise. 

3  So  shall  sweet  thoughts  and  hopes  sublime 
My  constant  inspirations  be  ; 

And  every  shifting  scene  of  time 
Reflect,  my  God,  a  light  from  thee ! 
17 


194  INTRODUCTORY. 

11.     P.  M. 

1  Father  of  earth  and  heaven, 

Whose  arm  upholds  creation, 
To  thee  we  raise  the  voice  of  praise. 
And  bend  in  adoration. 

2  We  praise  the  power  that  made  us  ; 

We  praise  the  love  that  blesses  ; 
While  every  day  that  rolls  away 
Thy  gracious  care  confesses. 

• 

3  Life  is  from  thee,  blest  Father ; 

From  thee  all  breathing  spirits ; 
And  thou  dost  give  to  all  that  live 
The  bliss  that  each  inherits. 

4  Day,  night,  and  rolling  seasons, 

And  all  that  life  embraces, 
With  bliss  are  crowned,  with  joy  abound, 
And  claim  our  thankful  praises. 


\J^tA' 


//''  12.     7s.  M. 


1  Hear  ye  not  a  voice  from  heaven. 
To  the  listening  spirit  given  ? 
"  Children,  come  ! "  it  seems  to  say, 
"  Give  your  hearts  to  me  to-day." 


INTRODUCTORY.  19U 

2  We  will  give  our  hearts  to  thee, 
While  from  pains  and  sorrows  free  ; 
While  our  day  is  in  its  dew, 

And  the  clouds  of  life  are  few. 

3  Father !  now  to  thee  we  come, 
In  our  morning's  early  bloom ; 
Breathe  on  us  thy  grace  divine,  — 
Touch  our  hearts,  and  make  them  thine. 

13.  8  &  7s.  M. 

1  Praise  the  Lord  when  blushing  morning 

Wakes  the  blossoms  wet  with  dew ; 
Pi'aise  him  when  revived  creation 
Beams  with  beauties  fair  and  new. 

2  Praise  the  Lord,  and  may  his  blessing 

Guide  us  in  the  way  of  truth  ; 
Keep  our  feet  from  paths  of  error  ; 
Make  us  holy  in  our  youth. 

14.  8  &  7s.  M. 

1  When  the  joyous  day  is  dawning, 

And  the  happy  light  we  see. 
We  who  live  in  life's  pure  morning, 
Father,  would  remember  thee. 


'W^Cl 


196  INTRODUCTORY. 

2  While  in  quiet  we  were  sleeping, 

Kindly,  though  we  knew  it  not, 
Thou  a  guardian  watch  wert  keeping ; 
Never  is  thy  child  forgot. 

3  Now  another  day  is  given. 

With  thy  love  may  it  be  blest ; 
May  we  learn  of  thee  and  heaven, 
And  prepare  for  purer  rest. 


15.     C.  M. 


rr^^/^        1  Again,  from  calm  and  sweet  repose, 
I  rise  to  hail  the  dawn ; 
Again  my  waking  eyes  unclose, 
To  view  the  smilins:  morn. 


2  Great  God  of  love  !  thy  praise  I  '11  sing ; 

For  thou  hast  safely  kept 
My  soul  beneath  thy  guardian  wing, 
And  "Watched  me  while  I  slept. 

3  Glory  to  thee,  Eternal  Lord ! 

Oh,  teach  my  heart  to  pray ! 

And  thy  blest  Spirit's  help  afford. 

To  guide  me  through  the  day. 


INTRODUCTORY.  197 

4  Let  every  thought  and  Avord  accoi'd 
With  thy  most  holy  will ; 
Each  deed  the  precepts  of  thy  word 
With  pious  aim  fulfil. 


16.     7s.  M. 

1  Blest  Instructor !  from  thy  ways 
"Who  can  tell  how  oft  he  strays  ? 
Save  from  error's  growth  our  mind  ; 
Leave  not,  Lord,  one  root  behind. 

2  Purge  us  from  the  guilt  that  lies 
Wrapt  within  our  hearts'  disguise ; 
Let  us  hence,  by  thee  renewed. 
Each  presumptuous  sin  exclude. 

3  Let  our  tongues,  from  error  free, 
Speak  the  words  approved  by  thee : 
To  thine  all-observing  eyes 

Let  our  thoughts  accepted  rise. 

4  While  we  thus  thy  name  adore. 
And  thy  healing  grace  implore. 
Blest  Instructor !  bow  thine  ear ; 
God  our  strength  !  propitious  hear. 

17* 


198  INTRODUCTORY. 


17.    8  &  7s.  M.      /.*^:-^^vw<^ 


1  Gracious  God,  our  Heavenly  Father ! 

Meet  and  bless  our  school,  we  pray ; 
As  in  humble  trust  we  gather, 

Teachers,  scholars,  here  to-day. 
Every  joy,  and  every  blessing, 

From  thy  bounteous  hand  we  own  ; 
May  thy  love,  our  souls  possessing, 

Draw  us  nearer  to  thy  throne. 

2  Weak,  imperfect,  tempted,  erring, 

From  thy  precepts,  Lord,  we  stray  ; 
Let  thy  spirit,  from  our  wandering, 

Bring  us  back  to  virtue's  way. 
Humble,  penitent,  confiding, 

May  we  rest  our  hope  in  thee ; 
In  thy  fovor,  Lord,  abiding. 

In  thy  peace  and  purity. 


18.     8  &  7s.  M. 

\^  1  In  the  duties  now  before  us         7  ji/^'^^"^'^ 
.  Let  us  faithfully  engage ; 

y-  v/  Spirit  of  all  truth !  be  o'er  us, 

^'  As  we  sea.ch  the  sacred  page: 


INTRODUCTORY.  199 

May  the  lessons  Christ  has  taught  us 
All  our  minds  and  hearts  improve ; 

And  the  blessings  he  has  brought  us 
"Wake  a  strong  and  holy  love. 

/-  2  Thankful  for  the  kind  protection 

Which  has  blessed  us  through  the  week, 
.'  ^  Still  imploring  thy  direction, 

fU  /'jTww^    "While  we  heavenly  wisdom  seek, 
Father!  thus,  in  pure  devotion, 

Every  thought  inspired  by  love, 
Gratitude  in  each  emotion, 
Would  we  lift  our  souls  above. 

'19.    C.  M. 

1  Father  !  thy  children  bend  the  knee ; 

Give  ear  unto  our  prayer  ! 
Let  our  thanksgiving  rise  to  thee 
Upon  the  morning  air. 

2  We  come,  O  God,  while  yet  the  flower 

Of  life  is  but  half  blown. 
To  pray  thee  that  its  opening  hour 
May  bloom  for  thee  alone ! 

3  Then,  when  it  fadeth  from  the  earth, 

It  may  in  beauty  rise. 
To  bloom  where  angels  have  their  birth, 
In  bowers  of  Paradise. 


200 


..^ 


INTKODfCTORV. 


20.     7  &  6s.  M. 


±  Go  when  the  morning  shineth;    .    ^ 

Go  when  the  noon  is  bright ;  ^t^jtJ^rO 
Go  when  the  eve  declineth ; 

Go  in  the  hush  of  night ; 
Go  with  pure  heart  and  feehng; 

Drive  earthly  thought  away ; 
And  in  thy  chamber  kneehng, 

To  God  in  secret  pray. 

2  Oh !  not  a  joy  or  blessing 

With  this  can  we  compare,  — 
The  power  that  he  hath  given 

To  pour  our  souls  in  prayer. 
Whene'er  you  meet  with  sadness, 

Before  his  footstool  fall ; 
Remember,  in  thy  gladness. 

His  love  who  gave  thee  all. 

^.^^     ^'-  '^-  "^ 

1  Safely  through  another  week 

God  has  brought  us  on  our  way ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek. 


/. 


Waiting  in  his  courts  to-day !  ;,, 

Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest ! 


GOD.  201 

2  Lord,  we  pray  for  pardoning  grace 

In  our  dear  Redeemer's  name  ; 
Sin  remove,  and,  in  its  place, 

Give  us  virtue's  purest  flame ; 
Thus  from  all  our  sins  set  free. 
May  we  rest  at  last  with  thee. 

^!2«    L.  M.   /2y^. 

l/  Great  God !  and  wilt  thou  condescend 
To  be  my  Father  and  my  friend  ? 
I  but  a  child,  and  thou  so  high,  ,    ,<> 

The  Lord  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sky ! 

2  Art  thou  my  Father  ?     Let  me  be 
A  meek,  obedient  child  to  thee ; 
And  try,  in  every  deed  and  thought, 
To  serve  and  please  thee  as  I  ought. 

3  Art  thou  my  Father  ?     I  'II  depend 
Upon  the  care  of  such  a  friend ; 
And  only  wish  to  do  and  be 
Whatever  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

4  Art  thou  my  Father  ?  Then,  at  last, 
"When  all  my  days  on  earth  are  past, 
Send  down,  and  take  me,  in  thy  love, 

j  To  be  thy  better  child  above. 


202  Gou. 

23.     C.  M. 

1  It  was  our  Heavenly  Father's  love 

Brought  every  being  forth ; 
He  made  the  shining  worlds  above, 
And  everything  on  earth. 

2  He  gives  us  all  our  parents  dear, 

Our  teachers  kind  and  true ; 
And  bids  us  all  their  precepts  hear, 
And  all  they  teach  us  do. 

3  God  sees  and  hears  us  all  the  day, 

And  in  the  darkest  night ; 

He  views  us  when  we  disobey, 

And  when  we  act  aright. 

4  God  hears  what  we  are  saying  now, — 

0,  what  a  wondrous  thought ! 
Our  Heavenly  Father  !  teach  us  how 
To  love  thee  as  we  oug;ht. 


lA 
I 


34.     L.  M,  /^J^WW^*-^ 

U 
He  sendeth  sun,  he  sendeth  shower;     /      '        ^, 
Alike  they  're  needful  for  the  flower; 
And  joys  and  tears  alike  are  sent, 
To  ijive  the  soul  fit  nourishment : 


GOD.  203 

As  comes  to  me  or  cloud  or  sun, 
Father,  tliy  ■will,  not  mine,  be  done ! 

2  Can  loving  children  e'er  reprove 

With  murmurs  whom  they  trust  and  love? 

Creator !  I  would  ever  be 

A  trusting,  loving  child  to  thee : 

As  comes  to  me  or  cloud  or  sun, 

Father,  thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done ! 

3  0,  ne'er  will  I  at  life  repine ! 
Enough  that  thou  hast  made  it  mine. 
When  foils  the  shadow  cold  of  death, 
I  yet  will  sing,  with  parting  breath. 
As  comes  to  me  or  shade  or  sun, 
Father,  thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done ! 


25.     C.  M. 

1  I  THANK  the  goodness  and  the  grace 

Which  on  my  birth  have  smiled, 
And  made  me,  in  these  Christian  days, 
A  free  and  happy  child. 

2  I  was  not  born,  as  millions  are. 

Where  God  was  never  known. 
And  taught  to  pray  a  useless  prayer, 
To  blocks  of  wood  and  stone. 


204  GOD. 

3  My  God !  I  thank  thee,  "who  hast  planned 

A  better  lot  for  me, 
And  placed  me  in  this  Christian  land, 
Where  I  may  hear  of  thee. 

4  Help  me  to  serve  thee  every  day, 

Whilst  thou  shalt  give  me  breath ; 
And  grant  that,  while  on  earth  I  stay, 
I  may  prepare  for  death. 


26.    L.  M. 

1  O  Thou,  who  hast  at  thy  command 
The  hearts  of  all  men  in  thy  hand ! 
Our  wayward,  erring  hearts  incline 
To  have  no  other  will  but  thine. 

2  Our  wishes,  our  desires,  control ; 
Mould  every  purpose  of  the  soul ; 
O'er  all  may  we  victorious  be 

That  stands  between  ourselves  and  thee. 

3  Thrice  blest  will  all  our  blessings  be. 
When  we  can  look  through  them  to  thee ; 
When  each  glad  heart  its  tribute  pays 
Of  love,  and  gratitude,  and  praise. 


/^^<2--«- 


<^ 


GOD. 


J> 


205'*'^-^^v-^- 


27.     lis.  M. 

Ouu  Father  in  heaven,  we  hallow  thy  name, 
May  thy  kingdom  holy,  on  earth  be  the  same ; 
0,  give  to  us  daily  our  portion  of  bread ; 
It  is  from  thy  bounty  that  all  must  be  fed. 

Forgive  our  transgressions,  and  teach  us  to  know 
That  humble  confession  that  pardons  each  foe ; 
Keep  us  from  temptation,  from  weakness  and  sin ; 
And  thine  be  the  glory  for  ever :  Amen. 

98.     L.  M. 


/ 


/. 


/ 


1  God  is  so  good  that  he  Avill  hear 

Whenever  children  humbly  pray ; 
He  always  lends  a  listening  year 
To  what  the  youngest  child  may  say. 

2  His  own  most  holy  book  declares, 

That  as  a  tender  father  will, 
He  listens  to  our  lowly  prayers. 

And  what  we  ask  will  erant  us  still. 


3  He  loves  to  hear  a  grateful  tongue 

Thank  him  for  all  his  mercies  given  ; 
And  when  on  earth  his  praise  is  sung, 
The  cheerful  notes  are  heard  in  heaven. 
18 


HOG  GOD. 

29.     9  &  6s.  M. 

1  Come,  rejoice  in  the  Lord ; 
Come,  believe  in  his  word, 

And  confide  in  his  mercy  and  grace ; 

For  his  throne  shall  endure, 

And  his  promise  be  sure. 
And  in  him  shall  the  righteous  have  peace. 

2  O  how  happy  are  they. 
Who  his  precepts  obey. 

And  delight  in  the  law  of  their  God ; 

For  their  joys  shall  increase, 

And  their  trials  shall  cease. 
As  they  enter  their  holy  abode. 

30.    C.  M. 

1  None  is  like  God,  who  reigns  above, 

So  great,  so  pure,  so  high ; 
None  is  like  God,  whose  name  is  Love, 
And  who  is  always  nigh. 

2  In  all  the  earth  there  is  no  spot 

Excluded  from  his  care  : 
We  cannot  go  where  God  is  not, 
For  he  is  everywhere. 


GOD.  207 

3  He  is  our  best  and  kindest  friend, 

And  guards  us  night  and  day : 
To  all  our  wants  he  will  attend, 
And  answer  when  we  pray. 

4  0,  if  we  love  him  as  we  ought. 

And  on  his  grace  rely, 
We  shall  be  joyful  at  the  thought 
That  God  is  always  nigh. 

")       / 


Xyi^^^fi  A^ 


3. 


n^'V; 


31.    C.  M. 

1  There  's  not  a  dye  ttat  paints  the  rose, 

Or  decks  the  lily  fair, 
Or  tints  the  humblest  flower  that  blows, 
But  God  has  placed  it  there. 

2  There  's  not  of  grass  a  single  blade. 

Or  leaf  of  lowliest  mien, 
Where  heavenly  skill  is  not  displayed. 
And  heavenly  wisdom  seen. 

3  There  's  not  a  star  whose  twinkling  light 

Illumes  the  spreading  earth  ; 
There  's  not  a  cloud,  or  dark  or  bright. 
But  mercy  gave  it  birth. 


208  GOD. 

4  Then  wake,  my  soul,  and  sing  his  name, 
And  all  his  joraise  reheai'se. 
Who  spread  abroad  earth's  glorious  frame, 
And  made  the  universe. 


32.     C.  M. 

A 

1  Beyond,  beyond  that  boundless  sea, 

Above  that  dome  of  sky, 
Farther  than  thought  itself  can  flee, 

Thy  dwelling  is  on  high  ; 
Tet  dear  the  awful  thought  to  me, 

That  thou,  my  God,  art  nigh. 

2  We  hear  thy  voice  when  thunders  roll 

Through  the  wide  fields  of  air ; 
The  waves  obey  thy  dread  control : 

Yet  still  thou  art  not  there. 
Where  shall  I  find  Him,  O  my  soul. 

Who  yet  is  everywhere  ? 

8  O,  not  in  circling  depth,  or  height, 
But  in  the  conscious  breast, 
Present  to  faith,  though  veiled  from  sight, 

There  does  his  spirit  rest. 
0  come,  thou  Presence  Infinite, 
And  make  thy  creatures  blest. 


GOD.  V        209 

33.    L.  M. 

1  When  I  look  up  to  yonder  sky, 

So  pure,  so  bright,  so  wondrous  high, 

I  think  of  One  I  cannot  see. 

But  one  who  sees  and  cares  for  me. 

2  'T  is  he  my  daily  food  provides, 
And  all  that  I  require  besides ; 

And  when  I  close  my  slumbering  eye, 
I  sleep  in  peace,  for  he  is  nigh. 

3  Then  surely  I  should  ever  love 
This  gracious  God  who  reigns  above ; 
For  veiy  kind  indeed  is  he 

To  love  a  little  child  like  me. 


^^P^  34.     C.  M. 


1  There  's  not  a  star  whose  twinkling  light 

Illumes  the  distant  earth, 
And  cheers  the  solemn  gloom  of  night, 
But  mercy  gave  it  birth. 

2  There  's  not  a  cloud  whose  dews  distil 

Upon  the  parching  clod, 
And  clothe  with  verdure  vale  and  hill. 
That  is  not  sent  by  God. 
18* 


210  GOD. 

3  There  's  not  a  place  in  earth's  vast  round, 

In  ocean  deep,  or  air, 
Where  skill  and  wisdom  are  not  found, 
For  God  is  everywhere. 

4  Around,  beneath,  below,  above, 

"Wherever  space  extends, 
There  Heaven  displays  its  boundless  love, 
And  power  with  mercy  blends. 


Lfit*^: 


35.     S.  M.        i...M^' 


1  God,  who  is  just  and  kind, 
"Will  those  who  err  instruct. 

And  in  the  paths  of  righteousness 
Their  wandering  steps  conduct. 

2  The  humble  soul  he  guides, 
Teaches  the  meek  his  way. 

Kindness  and  truth  he  shows  to  all 
Who  his  just  laws  obey. 

3  Give  me  the  tender  heart 
That  mingles  fear  with  love. 

And  lead  me  through  whatever  path 
Thy  wisdom  shall  approve. 


GOD.  211 


4     0,  ever  keep  my  soul 

From  error,  shame,  and  guilt ; 
Nor  suffer  the  fair  hope  to  fail 
Which  on  thy  truth  is  built. 


36.    7s.  M. 

1  Lo  !  the  lilies  of  the  field  ! 

How  their  leaves  instruction  yield ! 
Hark  to  Nature's  lesson  given 
By  the  blessed  birds  of  heaven ! 
Every  bush  and  tufted  tree 
"Warbles  sweet  philosophy ; 
Children,  banish  care  and  sorrow,  — 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow. 

2  One  there  lives  whose  guardian  eye 
Guides  our  earthly  destiny  ; 

One  there  lives,  who,  Lord  of  All, 
Keeps  his  children  when  they  fall ; 
Pass  we,  then,  in  love  and  praise. 
Trusting  him,  through  all  our  days. 
Free  from  doubt  and  faithless  soi'row 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow. 


212  GOl.. 

37.     L.  M. 


(T/^f 


1  Among  the  deepest  shades  of  night, 
Can  there  be  one  who  sees  my  way  ? 
Yes,  God  is  like  the  shining  light, 
That  turns  the  darkness  into  day. 

2  When  every  eye  around  me  sleeps, 
May  I  not  sin  without  control  ? 
No,  for  a  constant  watch  he  keeps 
On  every  thought  of  every  soul. 

3  If  I  could  find  some  place  unknown, 
Where  human  feet  have  never  trod. 
Yet  there,  I  could  not  be  alone : 
On  every  side,  there  would  be  God. 

/ 

38.     L.  M. 

1  Mat  I  resolve  with  all  my  heart. 

With  all  my  powers  to  serve  the  Lord 
Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
Whose  service  is  a  rich  reward. 


0  be  his  service  all  my  joy  ! 

Around  let  my  example  shine, 
Till  others  love  the  blest  employ. 

And  join  in  labors  so  divine. 

/' 


^.  .  6  ^ 


THE    SAVIOUR.  213 

3  Be  this  the  purpose  of  my  soul, 

My  solemn,  my  determined  choice, 
To  yield  to  his  supreme  control, 
And  in  his  kind  commands  rejoice. 

4  O,  may  I  never  faint  nor  tire, 

Nor,  wandering,  leave  his  sacred  ways ; 
Great  God,  accept  my  soul's  desire. 
And  give  me  strength  to  live  thy  praise. 


39.     C.  M. 


.\J-xCalm  on  the  listening  ear  of  night 


Aj^'^ 


jj^'^ '  I  '^     Come  heaven's  melodious  strains, 
\^'I^^        Where  wild  Judaea  stretches  far 
Her  silver-mantled  plains. 

2  Celestial  choirs  from  courts  above 

Shed  sacred  glories  there ; 
And  angels,  with  their  sparkling  lyres, 
Make  music  on  the  air. 

3  "  Glory  to  God ! "  the  sounding  skies 

Loud  with  their  anthems  ring ; 
"  Peace  to  the  earth,  good-will  to  men, 
From  heaven's  Eternal  King ! " 


214  THE    SAVIOUR. 

4  Light  on  thy  hills,  Jerusalem  ! 
The  Saviour  now  is  born  ! 
And  bright  on  Bethlehem's  joyous  plains 
Breaks  the  first  Christmas  morn. 

4®.     C.  M. 

1  In  the  green  fields  of  Palestine, 

And  by  its  winding  rills, 
Along  the  Jordan's  sacred  stream, 
And  o'er  the  vine-clad  hills,  — 

2  Once  lived  and  roved  the  fairest  child 

That  ever  blest  the  earth, 
The  holiest,  the  happiest, 
And  yet  of  humblest  birth. 

3  Kindly  in  all  his  deeds  and  words, 

And  gentle  as  a  dove ; 
Obedient,  affectionate. 
His  very  soul  was  love. 

4  How  beautiful  his  childhood  was ! 

Harmless,  and  undefiled : 
Oh  !  is  it  not  a  blessed  thought. 
That  Christ  was  once  a  child ! 


THE    SAVIOUR.  215 

41.     L.  M. 

1  He  lived  as  none  but  he  has  lived, 

The  wisest  Teachei*  from  above ; 
He  died,  as  none  but  he  has  died,  — 
His  every  act  an  act  of  love. 

2  His  fervent  piety  was  breathed 

To  the  lone  waste,  the  desert  hill, 

And  in  the  haunts  of  men  he  sought 

To  do  his  Heavenly  Father's  will. 

3  He  preached  the  Gospel  to  the  poor ; 

Beside  the  couch  of  anguish  stood ; 
Consoled  the  sufferer,  healed  the  sick, 
And  went  about  still  doing  good. 

[     fiiA^    ^         ^-'      ■      ■  ' 
^—  jp  42.     7  &  6s.  M. 

1  Hail  to  the  Lord's  anointed ! 

Great  David's  greater  Son  ! 
Hail  in  the  time  appointed, 

His  reign  on  earth  begun ! 
He  comes  to  break  oppression, 

To  set  tlie  captive  free  ; 
To  take  away  transgression, 

And  rule  in  equity. 


216  THE    SAVIOUR. 

2  He  comes  with,  succor  speedy 

To  those  who  suffer  wrong; 
To  help  the  poor  and  needy, 

And  bid  the  weak  be  strong ; 
To  give  them  songs  for  sighing; 

Their  darkness  turn  to  light, 
Whose  souls,  condemned  and  dying, 

Were  precious  in  his  sight. 

3  He  shall  come  down  like  showers 

Upon  the  peaceful  earth  ; 
And  love  and  joy,  like  flowers, 

Spring  in  his  path  to  birth ; 
Before  him,  on  the  mountains, 

Shall  peace,  the  herald,  go ; 
And  righteousness,  in  fountains, 

From  hUl  to  valley  flow. 


6'- 


^''^"'      43.     L.  M. 


1  How  sweetly  flowed  the  Gospel's  sound 

From  lips  of  gentleness  and  grace, 
When  listening  thousands  gathered  round. 
And  joy  and  reverence  filled  the  place. 

2  From  heaven  he  came  ;  of  heaven  he  spoke ; 

To  heaven  he  led  his  followers'  way ; 
Dark  clouds  of  gloomy  night  he  broke, 
Unveilins:  an  immortal  dav. 


THE    SA.VIOUR.  217 

3  "  Come,  wanderers,  to  my  Father's  home ; 
Come,  all  ye  weary  ones,  and  rest ! " 
Yes,  sacred  Teacher,  we  will  come, 
Obey  thee,  love  thee,  and  be  blest. 

44.     8,  7,  &  4s.  M. 

1  On'ce  was  heard  the  song  of  children 

By  the  Saviour,  while  on  earth  ; 
JojdTul  in  the  sacred  temple 

Shouts  of  youthful  praise  had  birth ; 

And  hosannas 
Loud  to  David's  Son  broke  forth. 

2  O,  though  humble  is  our  offering, 

Deign  accept  our  grateful  lays ; 
Those  from  children  once  proceeding. 
Thou  didst  deem  "  perfected  praise." 

Now  hosannas, 
Saviour,  Lord,  to  thee  we  raise. 


45.     6  &  4s.  M. 

1  Shepherd  of  tender  youth. 
Guiding  in  love  and  truth 
Through  devious  ways ! 
19 


218  THE    SAVIOUR. 

Chi'ist  our  triumphant  king  ! 
We  come  thy  name  to  sing, 
And  here  glad  voices  bring 
To  shout  thy  praise. 

2  Thou  art  our  holy  Lord ! 
The  all-subduing  Word  I 

Healer  of  strife ! 
Thou  didst  thyself  abase, 
That  from  sin's  deep  disgrace, 
Thou  mightest  save  our  race, 

And  give  us  life. 

3  So  now,  and  till  we  die, 
Sound  we  thy  praises  high, 

And  joj^ul  sing ; 
Infants,  and  the  glad  throng 
Who  to  thy  Church  belong. 
Unite  and  swell  the  song 

To  Christ  our  King. 


f>  4G.     C.  M. 

r,  \f^  1  See  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand, 
With  all-engaging  charms ; 
Hark,  how  he  calls  the  tender  lambs, 
And  folds  them  in  his  arms ! 


THE    SAVIOUR.  219 

2  Permit  them  to  approach,  he  cries. 

Nor  scorn  their  humble  name ; 
For  't  was  to  bless  such  souls  as  these 
The  Lord  of  angels  came ; 

3  He  '11  lead  us  to  the  heavenly  streams 

Where  living  waters  flow, 
And  guide  us  to  the  fruitful  fields 
Where  trees  of  knowledge  grow. 

4  The  feeblest  Iamb  amid  the  flock 

Shall  be  its  Shepherd's  care  ; 

While  folded  in  the  Saviour's  arms, 

We  're  safe  from  every  snare. 

/^-'-•-^-^ 
47.    7s.  M. 

1  To  thy  pastures  green  and  fair, 
Saviour,  let  a  child  repair ; 

I  will  never  stray  from  thee, 
But  thy  fold  my  home  shall  be. 

2  Like  a  gentle  lamb,  I  '11  stay 
In  the  meadows  fresh  and  gay ; 
Peaceful  and  contented  there, 
Guarded  by  my  Shepherd's  care. 


220  THE    SAVIOUR. 

3  By  the  waters  still  and  clear, 
I  shall  wander  without  fear ; 
Happy  by  my  Shepherd's  side, 
All  my  wants  shall  be  supplied. 

4  Lord,  wilt  thou  my  Shepherd  be  ? 
Help  me,  then,  to  follow  thee ; 
At  thy  feet  myself  I  cast, 

Thee  to  serve  while  life  shall  last. 


4S.    7s.  M.         ^ 

1  Feeble,  helpless,  how  shall  I 
Learn  to  live  and  learn  to  die  ? 
Who,  O  God,  my  guide  shall  be  ? 
Who  shall  lead  thy  child  to  thee  ? 

2  Blessed  Father,  gracious  One ! 
Thou  hast  sent  thy  holy  Son  ; 
He  will  give  the  light  I  need, 
He  my  trembling  steps  will  lead. 

3  Through  this  world,  uncertain,  dim, 
Let  me  ever  lean  on  him ; 

From  his  precepts  wisdom  draw, 
Make  his  life  my  solemn  law. 


DUTIES.  .  221 

4  Thus  ill  deed,  and  thought,  and  word, 
Led  by  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord, 
In  my  weakness,  —  thus  shall  I 
Learn  to  live  and  learn  to  die. 


v^^^-tf^^e.^^ 


49.  L.  M. 

1  HoAV  many  ways  the  young  may  find 
To  be  of  use,  if  so  inclined! 

How  many  services  perform. 

If  love  is  earnest,  constant,  warm ! 

2  However  trifling  what  we  do, 
If  a  good  purpose  be  in  view. 
Although  we  should  not  have  success, 
Our  purpose  God  will  see  and  bless. 

50.  L.  M. 

1  My  son,  be  this  thy  simple  plan : 
Serve  God,  and  love  thy  brother  man ; 
Forget  not,  in  temptation's  hour. 
That  sin  lends  sorrow  double  power. 

2  Count  life  a  stage  upon  thy  way, 

And  follow  conscience,  come  what  may : 
Alike  with  heaven  and  earth  sincere, 
"  Fear  God,  —  and  know  no  other  fear." 
19* 


222         •  DUTIES. 

~  51.     C.  M. 


1  Now  that  my  journey  's  just  begun, 

My  road  so  little  trod, 
I  '11  come  before  I  farther  run. 
And  give  myself  to  God. 

2  If  all  my  earthly  friends  should  die, 

And  leave  me  mourning  here, 
Since  God  can  hear  the  orphan's  cry, 
O  what  have  I  to  fear  ? 

8  If  I  am  poor,  he  can  supply 
"Who  has  my  table  spread, 
Who  feeds  the  ravens  when  they  cry, 
And  fills  his  poor  with  bread. 

4  But,  Lord,  whatever  grief  or  iU 
For  me  may  be  in  store, 
Make  me  submissive  to  thy  will, 
And  I  would  ask  no  more. 


52.    7s.  M. 

Young  and  happy  while  thou  art, 
Not  a  furrow  on  thy  brow. 

Not  a  sorrow  in  thy  heart, 

Seek  the  Lord,  thy  Maker,  now. 


DUTIES.  223 

2  In  its  freshness  bring  the  flower, 

While  the  dew  upon  it  hes, 
In  the  cool  and  cloudless  hour 
Of  the  morning  sacrifice. 

3  As  the  first-fruits  of  the  year 

Should  be  offered  to  the  Lord, 
So  the  first-fruits  of  the  heart 
On  his  altar  should  be  poured. 

4  Thus  the  blessing  from  above 

On  life's  harvest  shall  be  given, 

Sown  in  tears,  perhaps,  on  earth ; 

Reaped  in  joyfulness  in  heaven. 


53,    S.  M. 

1  Thou  must  be  born  again ! 
Such  was  the  solemn  word 

To  him  who  came,  not  all  in  vain, 
Bj  night  to  seek  the  Lord. 

2  Thou  must  be  born  again  ! 
But  not  the  birth  of  clay ; 

The  immortal  seed  must  thence  obtain 
Deliverance  unto  day. 


224  DUTIES. 

3  Thou  canst*  not  choose  but  trace 
The  steps  the  Master  trod, 

If  once  thou  feel  his  truth  and  grace, 
A  conscious  child  of  God. 

4  The  mortal  birth  is  past ; 
The  immortal  birth  must  be  ; 

Seek  well,  and  thou  shalt  find  at  last 
That  blest  nativity. 

^  54.    C.  M.  ,w^A^ 

/'/     ^^'^' 
'^n<^  ( 

1  "What  if  the  little  rain  should  say, 

So  small  a  drop  as  I 
Can  ne'er  refresh  the  thirsty  fields,  — 
I  '11  tarry  in  the  sky  ? 

2  What  if  a  shining  beam  of  noon 

Should  in  its  fountain  stay. 
Because  its  feeble  light  alone 
Cannot  create  a  day  ? 

3  Doth  not  each  rain-drop  help  to  form 

The  cool,  refreshing  shower  ? 
And  every  ray  of  light,  to  warm 
And  beautify  the  flower  ? 


DUTIES.  225 

4  'T  is  thus  the  good  each  child  may  do, 
When  many  do  their  best, 
"Will  help  to  bring  within  our  view 
The  glory  of  the  blest. 

55,     C.  M.    '.-^  1  ^^.^.  ^y 

1  Think  gently  of  the  erring  one ! 

0,  do  not  thou  forget, 
However  darkly  stained  by  sin. 
He  is  thy  brother  yet ! 

2  Speak  gently  to  the  erring  ones ! 

Thou  yet  mayst  lead  them  back, 
With  holy  words,  and  tones  of  love, 
From  misery's  thorny  track. 

3  Forget  not  thou  hast  often  sinned, 

And  sinful  yet  may  be ; 
Deal  gently  with  the  erring  heart. 
As  God  hath  dealt  with  thee. 


56.     L.  M. 

Forgive  thy  foes ;  —  nor  that  alone ; 

Their  evil  deeds  with  good  repay ; 
Fill  those  Avith  joy  who  leave  thee  none, 

And  kiss  the  hand  upraised  to  slay. 


226 


DUTIES. 


2  So  does  the  fragrant  sandal  bow, 
In  meek  forgiveness,  to  its  doom, 
And  o'er  the  axe,  at  every  blow. 
Sheds  in  abundance  rich  perfume. 


/V^^ 


tcf^^ 


57.     C.  M. 


^■C-Vs-xw^ 


1  A  LITTLE  word  in  kindness  said 

A  motion,  or  a  tear, 
Has  often  healed  the  heart  that 's  sad, 
And  made  a  friend  sincere. 

2  A  word,  a  look,  has  crushed  to  earth 

Full  many  a  budding  flower. 
Which,  had  a  smile  but  owned  its  birth, 
"Would  bless  life's  darkest  hour. 

3  Then  deem  it  not  an  idle  thing 

A  pleasant  word  to  speak  : 
The  face  you  wear,  the  thoughts  you  bring, 
A  heart  may  heal,  or  break. 


IS'/ 


■l'^' 


7s.  M. 


Blessed  Lord,  thy  grace  impart, 
Meek  and  lowly  make  my  heart ; 
Poor  in  spirit  may  I  be, 
Clothed  with  all  humility  ! 


DUTIES.  227 

2  Simple,  teachable,  and  mild. 
As  becomes  a  little  child ; 

Pleased  with  what  my  God  provides, 
Weaned  from  all  the  "world  besides. 

3  Father,  fix  my  soul  on  thee, 
Every  evil  make  me  flee  ; 
May  I  seek  the  things  above. 
Only  happy  in  thy  love ! 

50.     S.  M. 

1  Blest  are  the  pure  in  heart, 
For  they  shall  see  our  God ; 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  theirs ; 
Their  soul  is  his  abode. 

2  Still  to  the  lowly  soul 
He  doth  himself  impart, 

And  for  his  temple  and  his  throne 
Selects  the  pure  in  heart. 


60.    C.  P.  M. 

1  Be  it  my  only  wisdom  here 
To  serve  the  Lord  with  filial  fear, 
With  loving  gratitude. 


228  DUTIES. 

Superior  sense  may  I  display 

By  sliunning  every  evil  way, 

And  walking  in  the  good. 

2  0  may  I  still  from  sin  depart ! 
A  wise  and  understanding  heart, 

Father,  to  me  be  given  ! 
And  let  me,  through  thy  Spirit,  know 
To  glorify  my  God  below, 

And  find  my  way  to  heaven. 

61.    7s.  M. 

1  Words  are  things  of  little  cost, 
Quickly  spoken,  quickly  lost ; 
We  forget  them,  but  they  stand 
Witnesses  at  God's  right  hand, 
And  their  testimony  bear 

For  us  or  against  us  there. 

2  0  how  often  ours  have  been 
Idle  words,  and  words  of  sin ! 
Words  of  anger,  scorn,  or  pride. 
Or  deceit,  our  faults  to  hide, 
Envious  tales,  or  strife  unkind. 
Leaving  bitter  thoughts  behind. 


DUTIES.  229 

3  Grant  us,  Lord,  from  day  to  day, 
Strength  to  watch,  and  grace  to  pray : 
May  our  lips,  from  sin  kept  free, 
Love  to  speak  and  sing  of  thee  ; 
Till  in  heaven  we  learn  to  raise 
Hymns  of  everlasting  praise. 

62.    7,  6,  &  8s.  M. 

1  The  hours  are  viewless  angels. 

That  still  go  gliding  by, 
And  bear  each  moment's  record  up 
To  Him  who  sits  on  high. 

2  The  poison,  or  the  nectar, 

Our  heart's  deep  flower-cups  yield, 
A  sample  still  they  gather  swift. 
And  leave  us  in  the  field. 

3  And  as  we  spend  each  minute 

That  God  to  us  has  given, 
The  deeds  are  known  before  his  throne, 
The  tale  is  told  in  heaven. 

4  So  teach  me,  Heavenly  Father ! 

To  spend  each  flying  hour, 
That,  as  they  go,  they  may  not  show 
My  heart  a  poison-flov^'e^. 

20 


230  DUTIES. 

63.     C.  M. 

1  Father  of  mercies !  in  thy  word 

Wtiat  endless  glory  shines  ! 
For  ever  be  thy  name  adored 
For  these  celestial  lines. 

2  Here  may  the  wretched  sons  of  want 

Exhaustless  riches  find ; 
Riches,  above  what  earth  can  grant, 
And  lasting  as  the  mind. 

3  0  may  these  heavenly  pages  be 

My  ever-dear  delight ; 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see, 
And  still  increasing  light. 

4  Divine  Instructor,  gracious  Lord ! 

Be  thou  for  ever  near ; 
Teach  me  to  love  thy  sacred  word, 
And  view  my  Saviour  there. 

64.    7s.  M. 

1  Holy  Bible  !  book  divine  ! 
Precious  treasure  !  thou  art  mine ! 
Mine  to  tell  me  whence  I  came ; 
Mine  to  teach  me  what  I  am ; 


DUTIES.  231 

2  Mine  to  chide  me  when  I  rove ; 
Mine  to  show  a  Father's  love ; 
Mine  to  guide  my  doubtful  feet ; 
Mine  to  judge,  condemn,  acquit; 

3  Mine  to  comfort  in  distress  ; 
Mine  to  cheer,  sustain,  and  bless ; 
Mine  to  show  by  living  faith 
Man  can  triumph  over  death ; 

4  Mine  to  tell  of  joys  to  come  ; 
Mine  to  lead  the  spirit  home : 
O  thou  precious  book  divine ! 
Holy  Bible !  thou  art  mine. 


65.    C.  M. 

1  Unheakd  the  dews  around  me  fall, 

And  heavenly  influence  shed; 
And  silent  on  this  earthly  ball 
Celestial  footsteps  tread. 

2  Night  reigns  in  silence  o'er  the  pole, 

And  spreads  her  gems  unheard ; 
Her  lessons  penetrate  the  soul. 
Yet  borrow  not  a  word. 


232  THE    FUTURE    WORLD. 

3  Noiseless  the  sun  emits  his  fire, 

And  pours  his  golden  streams ; 
And  silently  the  shades  retire 
Before  his  rising  beams. 

4  0  grant  my  soul  an  ear  to  know 

Thy  deep  and  silent  voice ; 
To  bend  in  lowly,  filial  awe, 
And  in  thy  love  rejoice ! 


66.     7  &  6s.  M. 


1  In  the  broad  fields  of  heaven. 

In  the  immortal  bowers, 
By  life's  clear  river  dwelling, 

Amid  undying  flowers,  — 
There  hosts  of  beauteous  spirits. 

Fair  children  of  the  earth, 
Linked  in  bright  bands  celestial. 

Sing  of  their  human  birth. 

2  They  sing  of  earth  and  heaven ; 

Divinest  voices  rise 
To  God,  their  gracious  Father, 

Who  called  them  to  the  skies ; 
They  all  are  there,  —  in  heaven,  — 

Safe,  safe,  and  sweetly  blest ; 
No  cloud  of  sin  can  shadow 

Their  bright  and  holy  rest. 


THE    FUTURE    WORLD.  233 

67.     C.  M. 

1  Forth  to  the  land  of  promise  bound, 

Our  desert  path  we  tread ; 
God's  fiery  pillar  for  our  guide, 
His  Captain  at  our  head. 

2  E'en  now  we  faintly  see  the  hills, 

And  catch  their  distant  blue  ; 
And  the  bright  city's  gleaming  spires 
Rise  dimly  on  our  view. 

3  There  love  shall  have  its  perfect  work. 

And  prayer  be  lost  in  praise, 
And  all  the  servants  of  our  God 
Their  endless  anthems  raise. 

68.     L.  M. 

1  0,  WHEN  the  hours  of  hfe  are  past, 
And  death's  dark  shade  arrives  at  last, 
It  is  not  sleep,  it  is  not  rest ; 

'T  is  glory  opening  to  the  blest. 

2  Their  way  to  heaven  was  pure  from  sin. 
And  Christ  shall  there  receive  them  in ; 
There  each  shall  wear  a  robe  of  light. 
Like  his,  divinely  fair  and  bright. 

20* 


234  THE    FUTURE    WORLD. 

3  There,  parted  hearts  again  shall  meet, 
In  union  holy,  calm,  and  sweet ; 
There  grief  find  rest,  and  never  more 
Shall  sorrow  call  them  to  deplore. 

4  No  storms  shall  ride  the  troubled  air, 
No  voice  of  passion  enter  there ; 
But  all  be  peaceful  as  the  sigh 

Of  evenmg  gales,  that  breathe  and  die. 

69.     C.  M. 

1  The  bird  let  loose  in  eastern  skies, 

When  hastening  fondly  home, 
Ne'er  stoops  to  earth  her  wing,  nor  flies 

Where  idle  warblers  roam ; 
But  high  she  shoots  through  air  and  light, 

Above  all  low  delay. 
Where  nothing  earthly  bounds  her  flight 

Nor  shadows  dim  her  way. 

2  So  grant  me,  God,  from  every  care 

And  stain  of  passion  free. 
Aloft,  through  virtue's  purer  air 

To  hold  my  course  to  thee ; 
No  sin  to  cloud,  no  lure  to  stay 

My  soul,  as  home  she  springs, 
Thy  sunshine  on  her  joyful  way, 

Thy  freedom  in  her  wings. 


,THE    FUTURE    WORLD.  235 


/2>^^'hc^'  ^•-  ^•*'- 


1  Hark  !  from  that  glorious  world  what  songs 

Those  heavenly  voices  raise !         ^    •  .-     , 
Ten  thousand  thousand  infant  tongues 
Unite  in  perfect  praise. 

2  Those  are  the  hymns  that  we  shall  know, 

If  Jesus  we  ohey ; 
That  is  the  place  where  we  shall  go, 
If  found  in  wisdom's  way. 

3  This  is  the  joy  we  ought  to  seek, 

And  make  our  chief  concern  ; 
For  this  we  come,  fi-om  week  to  week, 
To  read,  and  hear,  and  learn. 

4  Soon  will  our  earthly  race  be  run. 

Our  mortal  frame  decay ; 
Children  and  teachers,  one  by  one. 
Must  droop  and  pass  away. 

5  Great  God,  impress  the  serious  thought 

This  day  on  every  breast. 
That  both  the  teachers  and  the  taught 
May  enter  to  thy  rest. 


236  OCCASIONAL. 

71.     C.  M. 

1  Death  rides  on  every  passing  breeze, 

And  lurks  in  every  flower ; 
Eacli  season  has  its  own  disease, 
Its  peril  every  Lour. 

2  Daily  we  see  the  rosy  light 

Of  youth's  soft  cheek  decay ; 
And  life  depart  in  sudden  night, 
Ere  scarce  has  dawned  the  day. 

3  Look  downward,  then;  thy  danger  know; 

Where  now  thy  foot  may  tread, 
List  to  the  warning  from  below,  — 
There  lie  the  buried  dead. 

4  Look  upward,  too ;  by  faith  apply 

The  truth  divinely  given  ; 
On  Jesus  and  his  word  rely, 
And  fit  thy  soul  for  heaven. 

73.     S.  M. 

1     0  SPIRIT,  freed  from  earth, 
Rejoice,  thy  work  is  done ! 
The  weary  world  's  beneath  thy  feet, 
Thou  brio'hter  than  the  sun ! 


OCCASIONAL.  237 

2  Arise,  put  on  the  robes 
That  the  redeemed  win ; 

Now  sorrow  hath  no  part  in  thes, 
Thou  sanctified  within ! 

3  Awake,  and  breathe  the  air 
Of  the  celestial  clime  ! 

Awake  to  love,  which  knows  no  change, 
Thou  who  hast  done  with  time  ! 

4  Ascend  !  thou  art  not  now 
"With  those  of  mortal  birth ; 

The  living  God  hath  touched  thy  lips, 
Thou  who  hast  done  with  earth ! 


73.     8  &  7s.  M. 

1  Peaceful  be  thy  silent  slumber, 

Peaceful  in  the  grave  so  low  ; 
Thou  no  more  wilt  join  our  number ; 
Here  no  more  our  songs  shalt  know. 

2  Tears  will  flow  that  thou  hast  left  us. 

For  thy  loss  we  deeply  feel ; 

But 't  is  God  that  hath  bereft  us ; 

He  can  all  our  sorrows  heal. 


238 


OCCASIONAL. 


3  Yet  again  we  hope  to  meet  thee, 
When  the  day  of  life  has  fled, 
Then  in  heaven  with  joy  to  greet  thee, 
Where  no  farewell  tear  is  shed. 


74.     G  &  5s.  M.    /  :  :  !>-vy^^f^ 

1  Saviour,  now  receive  him 

To  thy  bosom  mild ; 
For  with  thee  we  leave  him. 
Blessed,  blessed  child. 

2  Now  let  thought  behold  him 

In  his  angel  rest, 
When  those  arms  enfold  him 
To  a  Saviour's  breast. 

3  We  yield  but  what  was  given 

At  thy  holy  call ; 
The  beautiful  to  heaven. 
Thou  who  givest  all. 

75.     S.  M. 

1     Go  to  thy  rest,  fair  child  ! 
Go  to  thy  dreamless  bed, 
While  yet  so  gentle,  undefiled, 
With  blessings  on  thy  head. 


OCCASIONAL.  239 

2  Because  thy  smile  was  fair, 
Thy  lip  and  eye  so  bright, 

Because  thy  loving  cradle-care 
Was  such  a  fond  delight,  — 

3  Shall  love,  with  weak  embrace. 
Thy  upward  wing  detain? 

No !  gentle  angel,  seek  thy  place 
Amid  the  cherub  train. 


76.     C.  M. 

1  Why  do  we  mourn  departing  friends, 

Or  shake  at  death's  alarms  ? 
'T  is  but  the  voice  that  Jesus  sends, 
To  call  them  to  his  arms. 

2  Why  should  we  tremble  to  convey 

Their  bodies  to  the  tomb  ? 
'T  is  but  the  consecrated  way 
To  their  eternal  home. 

77.     8  &  7s.  M. 

1  Cease,  ye  mourners,  cease  to  languish 
O'er  the  grave  of  those  you  love ; 
Pain  and  death  and  night  and  anguish 
Enter  not  the  world  above. 


240  OCCASIONAL. 

2  While  our  silent  steps  are  straying, 

Lonely,  througli  night's  deepening  shade, 
Glory's  brightest  beams  are  playing 
Round  the  happy  Christian's  head. 

78.  L.  M. 

1  Great  God,  we  own  that  mighty  hand 
By  which,  supported,  still  we  stand ; 
The  opening  year  thy  mercy  shows ; 
That  mercy  crowns  it  till  it  close. 

2  "With  grateful  hearts  the  past  we  own ; 
The  future,  all  to  us  unknown, 

We  to  thy  guardian  care  commit, 
And  peaceful  leave  before  thy  feet. 

3  In  scenes  exalted  or  depressed, 
Thou  art  our  joy  and  thou  our  rest ; 
Thy  goodness  all  our  hopes  shall  raise, 
Adored  through  all  our  changing  days. 

79.  C.  M. 

1  Awake,  0  God,  my  careless  heart 
Its  great  concerns  to  see, 
That  I  may  act  the  Christian  part, 
And  give  the  year  to  thee. 


OCCASIONAL.  241. 

So  shall  their  course  more  grateful  roll, 

If  future  years  arise, 
Or  this  shall  bear  my  waiting  soul 

To  joy  beyond  the  skies. 


80.     S.  M. 

1  God  of  our  fathers,  hear, 
Thou  everlasting  friend ! 

While  we,  as  on  life's  utmost  verge. 
Our  souls  to  thee  commend. 

2  Of  all  the  pious  dead 
May  we  the  footsteps  trace, 

Till  with  them,  in  the  land  of  light, 
We  dwell  before  thy  face. 


SI.     6  &  OS.  M. 

1  Summer  days  are  coming. 

Winter  days  are  gone ; 
Merry  birds  are  singing 
In  the  flowery  lawn. 

2  Now  the  sun  is  shining, 

With  his  cheerful  rays ; 

21 


242  OCCASIONAL. 

O,  how  very  pleasant 
Are  these  summer  days ! 

3  Honey-bees  are  gathering 

Sweets  from  all  the  flowers ; 
Ever,  ever  busy 

All  the  sunny  hours. 

4  May  we  learn  the  lesson 

To  be  busy  too ; 
Ever,  ever  seeking 
Useful  work  to  do. 

5  God,  our  great  Creator, 

Gave  these  summer  days ; 
May  our  hearts  and  voices 
Join  to  give  him  praise. 

82.     S.  M. 

1  The  freshly  blooming  flowers 
To  thee  sweet  offerings  bear ; 

And  cheerful  birds  in  shady  bowers 
Sing  forth  thy  tender  care. 

2  The  fields  on  every  side. 
The  trees  on  every  hill. 

The  glorious  sun,  the  rolling  tide, 
Proclaim  thy  wonders  still. 


CONCLUDING. 

3  But  trees  and  fields  and  skies 
Still  praise  a  God  unknown ; 

For  gratitude  and  love  can  rise 
From  living  hearts  alone. 

4  These  living  hearts  of  ours 
Thy  holy  name  would  bless ; 

The  blossoms  of  all  nature's  flowers 
Would  please  our  Father  less. 


83.     7  &  6s.  M. 

There  cometh  o'er  the  spirit, 

With  each  returning  year, 
The  thought  that  thou,  the  Father, 

Art  ever  to  us  near ; 
With  hope  of  life  dispelling 

The  death  that  winter  brought, 
And  flowers  and  fruits  foretelling, 

With  fragrant  beauty  fraught. 

'T  is  this  which  calls  thy  children 
In  sweet  accord  to  raise. 

Beneath  thy  blue-domed  temple, 
One  general  hymn  of  praise 

To  thee,  the  ever  living. 
The  universal  King, 


243 


244  CONCLUDING. 

Who  never  ceasest  giving 
Each  good  and  perfect  thing. 

3  The  streamlet  from  the  mountain, 
It  speaketh,  Lord,  of  thee, 
As  from  its  snow-capped  fountain 

It  rushes  to  the  sea  ; 
The  gentle  dew  descending, 
,  And  cloud's  refreshing  shower, - 
O  God,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
All,  aU  proclaim  thy  power. 


84.    C.  M. 

1  Here  like  the  birds,  that  wander  free. 

Warbling  their  woodland  lays, 
We,  Heavenly  Father,  sing  to  thee 
Our  grateful  song  of  praise. 

2  The  happy  minstrels  of  the  air. 

That  on  thy  bounty  live, 
With  songs  repay  thy  constant  care,— 
'T  is  all  that  they  can  give. 

3  But  we  can  give  the  loving  heart, 

And  lift  our  thoughts  above, 
Can  learn  that  thou  our  Father  art. 
And  feel  that  thou  art  love. 


CONCLUDING.  245 

4  A  table  in  the  wilderness 

Of  old  thy  bounty  spread, 
When  manna  dropped,  the  tribes  to  bless 
That  cried  to  thee  for  bread. 

5  For  us  kind  friends  a  feast  prepare 

Beneath  this  woodland  shade  ; 
Scarce  better  could  thy  children  fare 
Whose  food  the  manna  made. 

6  Never,  like  them,  may  we  be  heard 

To  murmur  or  repine  ; 
Still  may  we  heed  thy  holy  word, 
And  form  our  wills  to  thine. 

85.    7  &  6s.  M. 

1  We  meet  again  in  gladness. 

And  thankful  voices  raise  ; 
To  God,  our  Heavenly  Father, 

We  tune  our  grateful  praise : 
His  own  kind  hand  hath  kept  us 

Through  all  the  changing  year ; 
His  love  it  is  that  brings  us 

Again  to  worship  here. 

21* 


246  CONCLUDING. 

2  We  thank  Mm  for  the  Sabbath, 

This  day  of  holy  rest ; 
And  for  the  blessed  Bible, 

The  book  the  good  love  best ; 
For  Sabbath  schools  and  teachers. 

To  us  in  kindness  given, 
To  guide  us  in  the  jiathway 

That  leads  to  joys  in  heaven. 

3  We  thank  him  for  our  country, 

The  land  our  fathers  trod ; 

.   For  liberty  of  conscience, 

And  right  to  worship  God. 

O  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father, 

Accept  the  praise  we  bring, 

And  tune  our  hearts  and  voices 

Thy  glorious  name  to  sing. 

4  Soon  may  thy  gracious  sceptre 

Extend  to  every  land, 
And  all  as  willing  subjects 

Submit  to  thy  command. 
Send  forth  the  gospel  tidings, 

And  hasten  on  the  day 
When  every  isle  and  nation 

Shall  own  the  Saviour's  sway. 


CONCLUDING.  247 

86.    L.  M. 

1  What  thanks,  O  God,  to  thee  are  due, 

That  thou  didst  plant  our  fathers  here, 
And  watch  and  guard  them  as  they  grew, 
A  vineyard  to  the  phmter  dear ! 

2  Thy  kindness  to  our  fathers  shown. 

In  weal  or  woe,  through  all  the  past. 
Their  grateful  sons,  O  God,  shall  own 

"While  here  their  na^e  and  race  shall  last. 
■^v  . 
/-^/>^;gy^     6  &  4s.  M. 


God  bless  our  native  land ! 
Firm  may  she  ever  stand 

Through  storm  and  night! 
When  the  wild  tempests  rave, 
Ruler  of  wind  and  wave  ! 
Do  thou  our  country  save, 

By  thy  gi'eat  might. 

For  her  our  prayer  shall  rise 
To  God  above  the  skies  ; 

On  him  we  wait ; 
Thou  who  hast  heard  each  sigh, 
Watching  each  weeping  eye. 
Be  thou  for  ever  nigh  ;  — 

God  save  the  State ! 


^^t'^ivv? 


248  CONCLUDING.  >/         /^ 

^pj/L  88.     6  &  4s.  M.  As^--^///  y-w^ 

1  My  countrj,  't  is  of  thee, 

Sweet  land  of  liberty, 

//-^    Of  thee  I  sinjT. 
/ 

Land  where  my  fathers  died, 

Land  of  the  pilgrims'  pride, 

From  every  mountain  side 

Let  freedom  ring. 

2  My  native  country,  thee,  — 
Land  of  the  noble,  free,  — 

Thy  name,  —  I  love ; 
I  love  thy  rocks  and  rills, 
Thy  woods  and  templed  hills ; 
My  heart  with  rapture  thi-iUs 

Like  that  above. 

3  Let  music  swell  the  breeze. 
And  ring  from  all  the  trees 

Sweet  freedom's  song : 
Let  mortal  tongues  awake ; 
Let  all  that  breathe  partake ; 
Let  rocks  their  silence  break,  — 

The  sound  prolong. 

4  Our  fathers'  God,  to  thee. 
Author  of  liberty, 

To  thee  we  sing : 


CONCLUDING.  249 

Long  may  our  land  be  bright 
"With  freedom's  holy  light ; 
Protect  us  by  thy  might, 

Great  God,  our  King.  / 

89.    8  &  7s.  M. 

1  Father  !  grant  us  now  thy  blessing ; 

Smile  upon  us  from  above ; 
Let  us  all,  pure  hearts  possessing, 
Fill  our  lives  with  deeds  of  love. 

2  Make  us  gentle,  kind,  and  lowly ; 

Teach  us.  Father,  by  thy  word, 
How  we  may  be  good  and  holy. 
Like  to  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


90.     C.  M. 

1  How  pleasant  thus,  to  dwell  below 

In  fellowship  of  love ; 
And  though  we  part,  't  is  bliss  to  know 
The  good  shall  meet  above. 

2  The  children  who  have  loved  the  Lord, 

Shall  hail  their  parents  there ; 
And  teachers  gain  the  rich  reward 
Of  all  their  toil  and  care. 


250  CONCLUDING. 

3  Then  let  us  each,  in  strength  divine, 
Still  walk  in  wisdom's  ways ; 
That  we,  with  those  we  love,  may  join 
In  never-ending  praise. 

[//i^*^       91.    7s.  M.     A-O^^^ 

1  Thanks  to  thee,  before  we  part, 
Father,  rise  from  every  heart, 
For  the  blessed  Sabbath,  given 
To  prepare  our  souls  for  heaven. 

2  Give  the  teaching  of  this  hour 
O'er  our  lives  a  guiding  power ; 
Deep  impress  thy  saving  truth 
On  the  wavering  heart  of  youth. 


3  Guide  and  Guardian  be  to  each. 
Till  that  safer  home  we  reach 
"Where  —  sweet  Sabbaths  never  o'er  ■ 
We  shall  meet  and  part  no  more. 


-^.1^ 


92.     C.  M. 

1  Thy  gracious  aid,  great  God,  impart, 
To  give  thy  word  success ; 
Write  all  its  precepts  on  the  heart. 
And  deep  its  truths  impress. 


.  yfe-\y»^ 


CONCLUDING.  251 

2  O  speed  our  progress  in  the  way 
That  leads  to  joy  on  high, 
Wliere  knowledge  grows  without  decay, 
And  love  shall  never  die. 


fi 


/^      '         93.     7s.  M.      '  '^^-t^a^^-y^ 

1  As  the  sun's  enlivening  eye  ---  <  <" -/Va.,^_ 

Shines  on  every  place  the  same,       '\         /, 
So  the  Lord  is  always  nigh 

To  the  souls  that  love  his  name. 


2  "When  they  move  at  duty's  call, 

He  is  with  them  by  the  way ; 
He  is  ever  with  them  all,  — 

Those  who  go,  and  those  who  stay. 

3  For  a  season  called  to  part. 

Let  us,  then,  ourselves  commend 
To  the  gracious  eye  and  heart 
Of  our  evei"-present  Friend. 

4  Father,  hear  our  humble  prayer ! 

Tender  Shepherd  of  thy  sheep, 
Let  thy  mercy  and  thy  care 
All  our  souls  in  safety  keep. 


252  CONCLUDING. 

94.     8s.  &  7s.  M. 

1  Lo  !  the  (lay  of  rest  declineth ; 

Gather  fast  the  shades  of  night ; 
May  the  sun  that  ever  shineth 
Fill  our  souls  with  heavenly  light. 

2  Softly  now  the  dew  is  falling ; 

Peace  o'er  all  the  scene  is  spread ; 
On  his  children,  meekly  calling, 
Purer  influence  God  will  shed. 

3  While  thine  ear  of  love  addressing, 

Thus  our  parting  hymn  we  sing, 

Father,  give  thine  evening  blessing ; 

Fold  us  safe  beneath  thy  wing. 


95.    7s.  M. 

1  Softly  fades  the  twilight  ray 
Of  the  holy  Sabbath  day ; 

Gently  as  life's  setting  sun,  &  ^yvX/L/iy^ 

When  the  Christian's  course  is  run. 

2  Night  her  solemn  mantle  spreads 
O'er  the  earth,  as  daylight  fades ; 
All  things  tell  of  calm  repose 

At  the  holy  Sabbath's  close. 


.^ 


CONCLUDING. 


253 


Father,  may  our  Sabbaths  be 
Daj's  of  peace  and  joy  in  thee  ; 
Till  in  heaven  our  souls  repose, 
Where  the  Sabbaths  ne'er  shall  close. 


96.     8  &  7s.  M. 

1  On  the  dewy  breath  of  even 

Thousand  odors  mingling  rise, 
Borne  like  incense  up  to  heaven, — 
Natui'e's  evening  sacrifice. 

2  "With  her  balmy  offerings  blending, 

Let  our  glad  thanksgivings  be  — 
To  thy  throne,  O  Lord,  ascending  — 
License  of  our  hearts  to  thee. 

3  Thou,  whose  favors  without  number 

All  our  days  with  gladness  bless  ! 

Let  thine  eye,  that  knows  not  slumber. 

Guard  our  hours  of  helplessness. 

4  Then,  though  conscious  we  are  sleeping 

In  the  outer  courts  of  death. 

Safe  beneath  a  Father's  keeping. 

Calm  we  rest  in  placid  faith. 


254 


CONCLUDING. 


97.    7s.  M. 


1  Slowly,  by  God's  hand  unfurled, 
Down  around  the  weary  world 
Falls  the  darkness ;  O  how  still 
Is  the  working  of  his  will ! 

2  Mighty  Spirit,  ever  nigh ! 
Work  in  me  as  silently ; 

Veil  the  day's  distracting  sights ; 
Show  me  heaven's  eternal  lisfhts. 


98.     C.  M. 

1  Before  I  close  my  eyes  in  sleep, 

Lord,  hear  my  evening  prayer ; 
And  deign  a  helpless  child  to  keep 
By  thy  protecting  care. 

2  The  little  birds,  that  sing  all  day, 

In  many  a  leafy  wood. 
By  thee  are  clothed  in  plumage  gay,  — 
By  thee  supplied  with  food. 

3  And  when  at  night  they  cease  to  sing. 

By  thee  protected  still. 
Their  young  ones  sleep  beneath  their  wing, 
Secure  from  every  ill. 


CONCLUDING.  255 

4  Thus  wilt  thou  guard,  with  gracious  arm, 
The  couch  whereon  I  lie, 
And  keep  thy  child  from  every  harm 
Beneath  thy  w'atchful  eye. 


f^/L^i^ 


99.     C.  M. 

1  How  beautiful  the  setting  sun  ! 

The  clouds,  how  bright  and  gay  !    .-^^f^. 
The  stars,  appearing  one  by  one, 
How  beautiful  are  they ! 

2  And  when  the  moon  climbs  up  the  sky, 

And  sheds  her  gentle  light, 
And  hangs  her  crystal  lamp  on  high, 
How  beautiful  is  night ! 

3  And  can  it  be,  that  I  'm  possessed 

Of  something  brighter  far  ? 
Glows  there  a  light  within  this  breast 
Outshining  every  star  ? 

4  Yes !     'T  is  the  soul  that  God  has  given ; 

Sin  may  its  lustre  dim, 
While  goodness  bears  it  up  to  heaven, 
And  leads  it  back  to  him. 


256  CONCLUDING. 

—t  100.     L.  M.     /  -^7^^ 

1  Froji  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise ; 

Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung, 
Through  every  land,  by  every  tongue. 

2  Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord ! 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word  ! 

Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Again,  from  calm  and  sweet  repose 
A  little  word  in  kindness  said 
Among  the  deepest  shades  of  night 
As  the  sTui's  enlivening  eye 
Awake,  0  God,  my  careless  heart 


Before  I  close  my  eyes  in  sleep 

Be  it  my  only  wisdom  here 

Beyond,  beyond  that  boundless  sea 

Blessed  Lord,  thy  grace  impart 

Blest  are  the  pure  in  heai-t 

Blest  day  of  God !  most  calm,  most  bright 

Blest  Instructor !  from  thy  ways 


Calm  on  the  listening  ear  of  night 
Cease,  ye  mourners,  cease  to  languish 
Come,  rejoice  in  the  Lord 
Come,  thou  Almighty  King ! 


16 

57 
37 
93 


60 
32 
68 
59 
3 
16 

89 

77 

29 

4 


Death  rides  on  every  passing  breeze 


71 


Father  and  Guardian!  to  thy  shrine 
Father !  grant  us  now  thy  blessing 
Father  in  heaven,  to  whom  our  hearts 
Father  of  earth  and  heaven 
Father  of  mercies!  in  thy  word 


10 
89 
1 
11 
63 


258 


INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES. 


Father !  thy  children  bend  the  knee 
Feeble,  helpless,  how  shall  I 
Forgive  thy  foes ;  —  nor  that  alone 
Forth  to  the  land  of  promise  bound 
From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies 

God  bless  our  native  land 
God  is  so  good  that  he  will  hear 
God  of  our  fathers,  hear 
God,  who  is  just  and  kind 
Go  to  thy  rest,  fair  child 
Go  when  the  morning  shineth 
Gracious  God,  our  Heavenly  Father 
Great  God !  and  wilt  thou  condescend 
Great  God !  we  own  that  mighty  hand 


Hail  to  the  Lord's  anointed    . 

Hark !  from  that  glorious  world  what  songs 

Hear  ye  not  a  voice  from  heaven 

He  lived  as  none  but  he  has  hved 

Here  like  the  birds,  that  wander  free 

He  sendeth  sun,  he  sendeth  shower 

Holy  Bible !  book  divine !       .        .        . 

How  beautiful  the  setting  sun    . 

How  many  ways  the  young  may  find    . 

How  pleasant  thus,  to  dwell  below    . 

How  sweetly  flowed  the  Gospel's  sound 

In  the  broad  fields  of  heaven  . 

In  the  duties  now  before  us        .        .        . 

In  the  green  fields  of  Palestine 

I  thank  the  goodness  and  the  grace 

It  was  our  Heavenlv  Father's  love 


Lo !  the  day  of  rest  decUneth 
Lo !  the  lilies  of  the  field    . 


INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES.  259 

May  I  resolve  with  all  my  heart        ...  .38 

My  country, 'tis  of  thee 88 

Mj-  son,  be  this  thy  simple  plan 50 

None  is  like  God,  who  reigns  above        ....        30 
Now  that  my  journey 's  just  begun  .        .        .        .51 

0  give  thanks  to  Dim  who  made 9 

Once  was  heard  the  song  of  children        .        .        .  .44 

On  the  dewy  breath  of  even 96 

0  spirit,  freed  from  earth 72 

0  Thou,  who  hast  at  thy  command       ....  26 

Our  Father  in  heaven,  we  hallow  thy  name      .        .  .27 

0,  when  the  hours  of  life  are  past          ....  68 

Peaceful  be  thy  silent  slumber 73 

Praise  the  Lord  when  blushing  morning  .        .        13 

Safely  through  another  week 21 

Saviour,  now  receive  him 74 

See  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand 46 

Shepherd  of  tender  youth 45 

Slowly,  by  God's  hand  unfurled 97 

Softly  fades  the  twilight  ray 95 

Summer  days  are  coming 81 

Suppliant,  lo !  thy  children  bend 8 

Sweet  is  the  task,  0  Lord         .                ....  5 

Thanks  to  thee,  before  we  part 91 

The  bird  let  loose  in  eastern  skies          ....  69 

The  freshly  blooming  flowers 82 

The  hours  are  viewless  angels 62 

There  cometh  o'er  the  spirit 83 

There's  not  a  dye  that  paints  the  rose           ...  31 
There 's  not  a  star  whose  twinkhng  light           .        .        .34 

Think  gently  of  the  erring  one 65 


260  INDEX    OF    FIRST    LINES. 

Thou  must  be  born  again 53 

Thy  gracious  aid,  great  God,  impart      ....  92 

To  God  the  only  wise 6 

To  thy  pastures  green  and  fair 47 

Unheard  the  dews  around  me  fall 65 

We  meet  again  in  gladness     ...                 .        .  85 

What  if  the  little  ram  should  say 54 

What  secret  hand,  at  morning  light        ....  2 
What  thanks,  0  God,  to  thee  are  due        .        .        .        .86 

When  I  look  up  to  yonder  sky S3 

When  the  jo3'ous  day  is  dawning 14 

While  here  the  throne  of  grace  we  seek         ...  7 
Why  do  we  mourn  departing  friends         .        .        .        .76 

Words  are  things  of  little  cost        .....  61 

Young  and  happy  while  thou  art 52 


THE    END. 


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